Seven Times?

"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."

Forgiving is not something that comes naturally. Most of us want it after we've really messed up, but rarely want to extend it to others. Peter knowing that Jesus has called us to a higher standard, thinks he is making a grand gesture by suggesting we forgive "seven times." After all, the rabbis taught that forgiving a person three times was sufficient for morality. 

We cannot beat God's standards on a technicality. Quantifying our good works is ridiculous. They will never measure up the to the glory of God's mercy and grace. He forgives us lavishly. He loves us so much that He sent His son to live a life that we could not live(perfect and sinless) to die the death that we deserve to pay a debt we couldn't pay.

For those who have experienced and understand the richness and beauty of his mercy and forgiveness, we should want to forgive as He forgives us. Forgiving others ensures our own forgiveness. It is an extension of God's grace in a world that desperately needs it. Over and over again is how often He forgives us. May we forgive the same way to everyone who wrongs us, seventy seven times aka infinitely. 

Be Blessed!

Senior Captain Bobby Delgado

HFD Chaplain