Matthew 18:21-35

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (The Parable of the unmerciful servant.) 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35

Dear Jesus,

I cannot count how many times I've asked the very same question Peter asked. "How long must I be gracious with this person?" No matter how logical it sounds and how fair, it's just not the right question. Here's the right question, "Lord, please give me the power to forgive him/her for what they did?" I know you forgive everyone, even the worst perpetrator. But I have a hard time forgiving even my loved ones. Oh, Jesus, make me a grace filled soul that doles out mercy like water at a Vacation Bible School. I want to be freed by a merciful heart. Help me tear up the score card and erase the memory of my hurts. Give me the freshness of a new morning mercy for every person.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

The air we breathe in God's kingdom is his unconditional grace. Not forgiving someone is like holding your breath there.

Additional Reading: Ephesians 4