Forgivenss

S - Mathew 18:21-22 (NASB)
 21Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

O -  Jesus is teaching the disciples all about the church on earth, and as it is in heaven.   He is teaching kingdom of God principles, to be lived in the new church, and many of the principles the disciples are beginning to get but still yet not fully fathom the Kingdom of God.  Here Peter shows that he is beginning to grasp the concept of forgiveness, as much of Jesus' earthly ministry he went around forgiving sins and healing people.  So Peter likely thinking he understood, but yet still questioning God's level of commitment to forgiveness ask the question how many times shall I forgive the same person.   Jesus answer the question in a way that reveals God's infinite grace, and our ultimate fallen nature.   Jesus says not seven but seventy times seven.  This is how much God loves us that he has given us forgiveness through Christ, and not through our own works, because we will always stumble.

A - The application for me is to recognize that I will never earn God's forgiveness and that I will continue to fall short of perfect obedience.   I am so grateful to have Jesus to come to and confess my sin, and receive comfort and forgiveness.   I do not use this as an excuse to sin, but just the opposite, as a reason to be faithful and righteous to follow and grow in the kingdom principles God has taught be through His word,  His Holy Spirit, and His son.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you today for your blessings on my life.  I pray now for relief from the tensions and problems in my daily life that cause me to react poorly and sin.  Help me to represent your love well.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.