Limitless Forgiveness

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Smith on June 25, 2017 | Found in: Blog

Limitless Forgiveness 

By Pastor Jeffrey Smith 

 

Have you ever tried to say something smart to impress someone you admire? Peter approached Jesus with a moral question regarding the number of times he should forgive someone that wronged him.  

“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.” Matthew 18:21-22

Jewish law requires that you forgive someone three times.  Peter presumed he was being holy in asking “up to SEVEN times?” While Peter focused on how many times he needed to forgive, Jesus reminded him that true forgiveness is limitless.  

 

When we are hurt or offended, our human nature clouds our judgment. We forget about the great mercy God extended to us through Christ.  Jesus reminds us that forgiveness was shown TO us so that it can be shown THROUGH us.   It is canceling a debt that is owed to you and ultimately leaving justice in God’s hands.   

 

Let’s take a moment to look at what forgiveness is not:

 
Forgiveness is no denying a hurt or offense happened.
You may have been abused or victimized but through the power of God, these hurts do not have dictate or define your life.

Forgiveness is not enabling sin. 

 It does not mean that what someone did to you was okay or justify their actions.

Forgiveness is not a response to an apology.
It is deeper than simply saying “I forgive you” after someone says “I’m sorry”. 

Forgiveness is not covering up crimes committed.  
There are times that you have to forgive and then call the cops.

Forgiveness is not forgetting. 

Forgiveness does not mean trust. 
You can forgive someone, but that does not always mean that person is safe to be a part of your everyday life.

Forgiveness is not reconciliation. 
It takes one person to forgive, but it takes two people to be reconciled.

 

Forgiveness is a choice and a process. The Bible encourages us to pray for those who wrongfully hurt us. When old wounds come up, speak out “I choose to forgive. (Name the person and what you are forgiving them for).” As Jesus reminded Peter, if the offense returns, you continue to forgive every time.  Sometimes forgiveness is a struggle because we have nothing spiritually invested in the matter other than expressing the hurt we feel. God cares about our pain, but there is deeper healing available to us as we release our offenses to the Lord. The power of God's love impacts the broken places of our hearts and restores our soul.