“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
– Matthew 18:21-22
Forgiveness is not deserved. Though God asks us to forgive, the people we forgive don’t deserve to be forgiven. In the same way, I didn’t deserve to be forgiven of my own sin. I didn’t deserve to be forgiven, but good people in my life forgave me. I didn’t deserve to be forgiven, but God forgave me, and that’s why I am who I am today. In other words, forgiveness is a gift. It’s a gift. It’s right there in the word – forgive. It’s generosity. Forgiveness is one of the most generous, merciful, Christ-like, kind things you can do. And it is not deserved. Nobody’s entitled to be forgiven. It’s a wonderful gift. And you’re a wonderful person for forgiving your neighbor. |
Prayer
Thank you, God, for the gift of forgiveness. Thank you for your grace and for your mercies. Give me the strength to offer that gift to others.
Reflection
How did you feel when you received the gift of forgiveness?
