SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN

THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT

Read: Matthew 18:21–35;  Luke 17:3-4

      Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21 NKJV

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      Peter wanted to do the right thing and He is asking if there are limits to how much of the right thing he must do. Jesus pointed out to the disciples on another occasion that their responsibility involved more than just forgiveness – it also included confrontation.     Forgiveness is not just about feelings, it is about behavior. The forgiving person must care enough about his brother to seek a resolution. There is no place for holding a grudge and never speaking to the person again.
      Jesus said, "If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4 NKJV)

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      Sometimes our pride keeps us from admitting that a person has hurt or offended us, so we bury our feelings instead of confronting and forgiving. Then later, when a similar incident arises, the buried resentment rears its ugly head and makes the situation even worse.
      Lord, help me to act quickly when reconciliation is needed, and always be ready to forgive. Amen.

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      Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."  Matthew 18:22 NKJV