The Path to Forgiveness - Pt. 1

 

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22 ESV).

 

Yesterday I began with a story from my late teens. I rarely share those stories. They are stories that occurred prior to my conversion. I do not discount those events as I know God used every experience in forming who I would become later, as well as producing great good in my life. However, I typically prefer to focus on the present and future rather than the past. As a part of that time in my life I now know that God used it to secure a path to forgiveness bring freedom to me in ways otherwise impossible. The Lord desires the same for you. Therefore in the next few days I’m going to focus our attention on the steps to achieving forgiveness toward others. This will take us a few days, as I will concentrate on a step each day. The brevity of the format of Morning Devotionals simply does not allow enough depth to do it in one day’s issue.

 

Before we actually begin with the “steps,” let’s look at the foundation. Our reading and the context give us an incredible look at the overarching basis for being able to truly find the freedom and power of forgiveness. We must begin with our relationship to the Lord.

 

Just prior to this question from Peter to Jesus, we find the teaching of the way we are to proceed in forgiving a brother. Jesus details the steps clearly. The disciples had a bit of difficulty with this teaching especially after Jesus’ response to Peter’s question. When Peter asked Jesus if they should forgive the offense “seven times” he truly felt that was more than magnanimous. Jesus’ answer was astonishing. He said, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (v. 22). Their mouths were agape with the audacious response. How could this be possible!

 

Jesus tells the story of a servant whose massive debt is forgiven by the king, but who refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him and is tortured for it. The theological implication is that God will forgive all sins, and we should too. The Scripture teaches we forgive because God has forgiven us. If everything I’ve ever done, or ever will do, can be forgiven by God, dare I hold back such forgiveness? After all, God has the absolute right not to forgive anything, yet He forgives everything. This is the beginning of our path forward to freedom. It is not easy. It is only made possible with the constant reminder of the grace extended to us. So, the next time you think you simply can’t forgive, remember what God has already done for you.