Seven Times

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'" (Matthew 18:21-22).

I bet when Peter asked if forgiving someone seven times was good enough that he felt like he was stretching it. Seven times felt like a big number. You know if you forgive someone once it would be pretty virtuous but to forgive them twice would be heading for sainthood--so seven times would definitely qualify you for super sainthood stardom. But Jesus took the wind out of Peter's sails.

"No Peter, not seven times but seven times seven times, you must forgive for eternity." Forgiveness must become present continuous in your life.

I'm not sure that I'm there yet (living a life of constant forgiveness), but each time I ask God for his grace to forgive someone I'm stepping just a little closer to the kingdom.