18.21

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” [Matthew 18.21]

I woke up this morning to "18.21." As soon as I considered what that meant, "Matthew" was immediately obvious to me. So, I write...

If you are like me, newscasts and social media posts bring increasingly more angst as we near the 2020 US General Elections. It's a natural response, right?

You want the truth? It is not a natural response, it is a fallen nature response. As such, it is something every true believer must combat. Like Jesus answered Peter to his question above:

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! [Matthew 18.22]

We have to understand that forgiveness is something that will always be work. And, there are no limits to it - that is, if we intend to be forgiven ourselves. Jesus was very clear about this in the parable of the unforgiving debtor He told in this context. So important is forgiveness that Jesus began His parable with these words:

“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared... [Matthew 18.23a]

Forgiveness is Kingdom business. Without it, one may be on a 'mission' or a doer of great things, but not on Kingdom business.

Jesus' prayer on the Cross should be our banner: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (from Luke 23.34)

Our prayers for our chosen candidates should not differ from our prayers for those we categorically reject! "Father, forgive them!"

They all need what only forgiveness can give: salvation, the Holy Spirit, deliverance, healing, and provision. They need this from God - they need it from us. That is how the Kingdom works - we join God in His will on earth (and we know God desires that everyone is saved and understands the truth).

As the "Kingdom" goes, we not only have the responsibility to forgive, but, like Jesus demonstrated, we have the authority to forgive. Think about that. But don't think too long... act on it!

PrayLikeNeverBefore! (and when you pray, forgive)