Read Luke 17:3-4
I Forgive You A Hundred Times Over!
Jesus said, “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them, and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times they come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.
One’s initial response, after reading what Jesus said, may seem like a hard task. But when I look at it, as it relates to my relationship with the Lord it helps me appreciate what he said.
I want to serve the Lord with all my heart. I want to be a holy servant, but I find myself struggling with sin. I’m not perfect. There seems to be that one sin that haunts me and I continue with. It’s that sin that I take to the Lord often and say, “Father, forgive me of this sin.” I find great comfort in knowing that God forgives me of my sin and cleanses me of all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). I’m not exaggerating, I truly find great comfort in knowing that God forgives me and cleanses me and removes my sin, my guilt, and my self condemnation. I find great comfort in knowing I can serve the Lord again and he’ll use me to impact lives. Here’s another thing: I find great comfort in knowing that I have the body of Christ, that one or two brothers in the Lord, that can help hold me accountable.
Let’s relate this to others who may sin against us and say, “I’m sorry, I repent!” As God forgave me a hundred times, so I will show that same Love, Mercy, Compassion, and Forgiveness to this person, even if they sin against me over and over again.
However, as a brother in the Lord, if the problem persists, then I’m going to encourage the person to get help, whether it be professional help or just be that accountability partner that is needed to help the person find victory over the sin.
Jesus said that we are to rebuke and forgive the person.
If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them in love and if they repent show the same Mercy, Compassion, and Forgiveness that God shows us when we repent. Blessings!
