FORGIVE? HOW MANY TIMES?

 “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven time, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22. (NKJV).

“My Sunday School teacher said to forgive seventy times seven.” Timmy stood, arms folded. “No way I’m forgiving Sam.” 

“Forgiveness is a command of our Lord, but also a choice.” Timmy opened his mouth but Grandfather held up his hand.

“As a king settled accounts with his servants, they brought one who owed millions--impossible to repay.

“‘Sell him, his family and all that he owns for payment,’ the king said. The servant fell on his face, begged for patience, promised to pay it all.

“‘Your debt is forgiven,’ the king said.”

“Wow, Grandfather. Amazing.” 

“Later the servant saw a fellow servant who owed him a few hundred dollars. He grabbed him by the throat. 

"‘Pay up or else.’ The servant begged for patience but he threw him into prison until he could pay.”

“Wait, Grandfather. That’s not right.” 

Hand held up he continued. “His fellow servants told the king.

“‘You wicked servant. I forgave all your debt and you couldn’t have compassion on your fellow servant? Take him to the torturers until his debt is paid.’”

“Grandfather. How could the first servant be so mean?”

“He felt entitled. He abused the gift of mercy. He didn’t deserve it—none of us do. When I realize what the King of Kings has forgiven me, I can forgive others.”

“But you’re good, Grandfather. You’ve loved the Lord Jesus for a long time.” 

“However, I’m still a sinner saved by grace. The Lord lives in me but the older I get, the more I realize that He loves me for what the Lord Jesus did on the cross when He took my place. When the Father looks at me, He sees His Son—“

Timmy frowned. “The Lord Jesus did that for me, too?” 

“Absolutely.” 

“So He wants me to forgive Sam?” 

“He does.” 

“Hmm. Will you pray with me? That I’ll say the right words?” 

“Dear Heavenly Father, be with Timmy, guide his thoughts and actions as he goes to see Sam—“ 

“Thank you, Lord Jesus, for going with me and helping me. And thank you for Grandfather. In Jesus Name. Amen.” 

He smiled as he grandson dashed out the front door, the screen door slamming behind him. “Thank you, Lord.” 

Kingdom Thinking. In this world of mistrust and anger, forgiveness and kindness go a long way. For me, the selfish servant comes naturally. But the Lord Jesus loves me with a supernatural love and promises never to forsake me. He gives forgiveness freely and helps me to do the same. Do you need forgiveness? Won’t you come to Him?