Read:
Proverbs 28:13 “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Matthew 18:21-22 “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?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Think:
Apologizing and asking for forgiveness can be difficult. It requires us to let go of our pride and adopt a humble attitude. When we wrong others, asking for forgiveness may be the last thing we want to do. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to love others and make things right with them.
Asking for forgiveness may be as simple as a quick verbal statement or text. Other times, it may require us to make amends for our actions. Either way, we need to not just apologize, but also ask for forgiveness: “I’m sorry for ______. Will you forgive me?”
Forgiving someone is an act of obedience, not a feeling. In Matthew 18, Jesus wasn't suggesting that we forgive one another, he was commanding us to do so. Peter thought he was being charitable when he suggested that we forgive others repeatedly – but with limits. But Jesus wanted to show him that true forgiveness, like love, knows no limits.
Apply:
Today you may need to call or text someone and ask for forgiveness. Or, you may need to extend forgiveness. It may feel uncomfortable, but you can do it because Jesus did it for you!
Pray:
Lord, remind me – in the moments when my flesh is weak and I don’t want to – that you have already given me unlimited forgiveness. Help me have the hard conversations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.