Day 157 "Forgiveness and love walk hand in hand as we do with our creator."

Day 157 Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” My first thought is how interesting it is that the man who would deny Jesus three times would also be the one asking how often he was to forgive those who sin against him. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, so could it be that His response was somewhat based upon His knowledge that Peter would soon need a greater understanding than most of forgiveness of offenses? You see, what Jesus was saying once again contradicted rabbinic law, which stated that you were to forgive a person three times and then you were no longer obligated to forgive. If Jesus had answered according to the law, Peter would have used up all of his forgiveness in that one day and, therefore, would be a man without the hope of salvation, for surely, as is with all of us, it would not have been long before he would once again have need to seek forgiveness. So the answer Jesus gave was literally a lifesaver for Peter prior to Peter needing to be rescued. This very fact should bring great comfort to every follower of Jesus. If there were a limit on grace, mankind would soon become hopeless, for surely most of us would use it all up; therefore, God has literally made it limitless as long as there is repentance. By saying seventy times seven, Jesus was saying you are to forgive as long as forgiveness is needed. We truly do serve a God of great mercy and grace; I pray that each of us can be confident of our God's great love for us. Daily Prayer: Father, may we walk in the confidence of knowing Your love for us. May we never need all of the grace you offer, and may we extend the same to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. "Forgiveness and love walk hand in hand as we do with our creator." Pastor Gene Burroughs