January 11 FORGIVENESS, Not an Option! Matthew 18:21-22
**Technical Difficulties this morning… I apologize for the Delay in Posting! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)
Peter came to Jesus with a legitimate question! How many times must I forgive my brother, one that is supposed to love me, and one that is walking with me, along this journey of life? Peter was sincere in the question and Jesus was instructive in His answer! “Seventy time Seven” was the response! Doing the simple math, Jesus indicates that 490 times we are to forgive! The greater meaning for this is that we are to ALWAYS FORGIVE OUR BROTHERS! In this life, we will be challenged by others, by their behaviors, their words and their attitudes, yet we are to FORGIVE their SHORTCOMINGS! Wait, this is not a one-sided affair! Our Brothers are supposed to FORGIVE us when we are ugly and loud and attitudinal and judgmental! FORGIVENESS is an On-GOING characteristic of a Growing Believer! Jesus provides the Example of Love and Forgiveness, when He suffered, bled and died for our FORGIVENESS of Sin! As long as umanity
Humanity exists, challenges and struggles and attitudes and selfish motivations will be the Rule, not the Exception, so how are we to survive and flourish in such an environment? We are to be “Christ-Like,” and be prepared to FORGIVE! We are to FORGIVE as many times as is required. Question: Can you be a Growing and Productive Christian Believer and have blatant Unforgiveness as a part of your Life? Can “Bitter” and “Sweet” exist in the same container? IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE ISSUES ARE, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO FORGIVE! NO EXCEPTIONS, NO CAVEATS, NO JUSTIFICATIONS! Forgiveness is required! JUST DO IT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!