How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?
Matthew 18:21-22 in the new King James version of the Bible reads: 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 times, but up to seventy times seven.” (70 x 7)
For me, possibly for you too, this verse has been both difficult and easy. Difficult because of my resistance, and easy due to my obedience. In 2018, before the COVID outbreak, God spoke to me to get ready, lose weight, get in shape and prepare. I didn’t know what that meant, but I did exactly what He told me. I lost over 40 lbs. walking nearly 10 miles a day at age 55. Then, in 2019 He called me to volunteer to go on a missionary outreach to Ukraine.
We Cannot Have A Relationship With Jesus Without Forgiving Others
Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
The message He wanted me to bring was about forgiveness. You see, this message was very difficult in my younger years as many times I was taken advantage or for granted, losing both time and money. In all this, God taught me to forgive because more than money He knew I valued Him more. You see, I have dreams almost every night of my life and visions during the day. When I hold my forgiveness, the dreams and visions stop. Therefore, my window to God stops and creates a vast void that cannot be filled. First, let me explain what God taught me.
Habitual Forgiveness
So, one day, after experiencing this long time in the desert without dreams or visions, I asked God why I all of a sudden lost the connection. His answer was simple, you need to forgive. Forgive I asked? Yes, forgive the way I stated through my son Jesus in Mathew 18:21-22. He went on. When you learn to forgive, simply keep doing it, making forgiveness a habit. Become a habitual forgiver like me.
Think about it, when you do something 70 x 7 it forms a permanent habit, and you get excellent at it. Forgiveness must become a habit. Living this way, you will always be walking with me. In Matthew 6:15 the NLT says, “But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Clearly, learning to forgive is one of the most important things we need to follow Jesus. Without it, we don’t have a relationship.
Therefore, forgiveness, like God, is Love!
Finally, I need to point out that habitual forgiveness is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV. It says, ” 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.” Therefore, forgiveness, like God, is Love!
Ukraine Message 2019
Getting back to my mission to Ukraine. God told me to go and teach them what I taught you about forgiveness. I did exactly this in every setting I had an opportunity to share. Obviously, with the war breaking out, this message is vital. I witnessed many souls come forward and want this because they, like me, desired a relationship with God void of hindrances. Perhaps, this is something you need to do as well? If so, God has a plan.
A Plan for Redemption
If you are like me and need to examine the surrounding relationships. Find if you too need to forgive someone. Then, say this simple prayer…..
Jesus,
I am a sinner. I’ve done a lot that is wrong or evil. I cannot do anything good in my own power. I need your love and forgiveness. Lord, I am sorry for all the sin that I have committed in my life, and that I know I will commit in the future. I want to live my life for You, doing what is right, and pleasing to You. I need a Savior, because I can never pay the debt that my sin has incurred. Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross, and shedding your blood to pay the price for my sin. I accept that You did this for me, and I ask that You extend Your eternal grace to me. Lord, please transform my heart and my life in Your image, write my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and fill me with the Holy Spirit. I praise You for Your love, Your righteousness, and Your infinite mercy. Thank you for saving my soul.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior,
Amen.
Now that you received Jesus and placed your faith in him, it’s time to know that He has given you His authority. You are a son or daughter of the most high God! Begin using seeds, words, that build yourself and others up and expect them to bring the peace that is promised to the sons of God.
Now share the Good News!
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