October 4th

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you not seven times but seventy times seven.”
Matthew 18:21-22

Peter asked this question to define a boundary for unforgiveness. It is just like us humans to inquire how far we can go without consequences, reprimand or giving up the right to be offended and angry. Jesus was in the business of changing our boundaries and the limitations of our heart.

Jesus also answered our question to include everyone who follows Him. Forgiveness is a huge deal to our Father God because He forgives us constantly every day. Jesus told a parable that relates to this in Matthew 18 about the unmerciful servant. This servant was forgiven much by the king but was unmerciful for a few dollars to a fellow servant. Forgiveness is an important attribute for His children’s heart, so much so that if we do not forgive someone else, He will not forgive us.