Breakfast With Christ - Seventy Times Seven
BREAKFAST WITH CHRIST
TOPIC: SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN
SCRIPTURE: MATHEW 18:21-22
"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."
Welcome to BWC. In the days of old, under the Mosaic laws, Moses prescribed instant reply for anyone who offended his/her neighbour. There was a reason for that. When Jesus came, He however preached forgiveness.
When Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive those who offend us, Jesus didn't mince words but gave a categorical answer; seventy times seven(70x7). Mathematically, seventy times seven is four hundred and ninety. Was Jesus telling us to forgive for only 490 times? No. Was Jesus asking us to count the number of times we forgive? NO.
Jesus, by asking us to forgive seventy times seven was telling us to always forgive. Why should we forgive? Because God first forgave us. If God always forgives us our sins, then who are we not to always forgive those who offend us? Forgiveness is a central theme in the Gospel of Christ.
Forgiveness is a very important Christian character. Unforgiveness is a sin against God. As Christians, we are to always forgive. No matter how hurt we may be or how betrayed we may feel, we need to forgive. Hatred, bitterness destroy us. They take away our joy and keep us in prison. It is both emotionally and spiritually good to forgive easily.
Today, look through your life, is there anyone you are still holding something against? Is there anyone you have imprisoned in your heart? Please take a bold decision to forgive that person. Call him/her or send a text message and tell that person you have forgiven him/her. Free yourself today from the prison of unforgiveness. No matter what they might have done against you, please let it go and forgive. Imagine how many times you sin, but God always forgives you, why can't you also forgive your friend?
PRAYER LINE
Lord, thank you for always forgiving me when I sin. Please help me to also forgive those who offend me. Amen.