Gospel

Keep On Forgiving

by Roland Crim
04/21/17
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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 come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them. Luke 17:3b-4 NIV

Here Jesus tells us what to do and what not to do when someone sins against us.

We are to rebuke someone who sins against us. Yes, we are to show stern disapproval of the action which was taken against us. Notice it does not say we are to retaliate.

Now, what about forgiving them. Could you honestly forgive someone seven times in a day if they have sinned against you? By around the third of fourth time, I would be more likely to be rolling my eyes. Yet, Christ tells us that we must forgive them if they come to us and say they repent. Would you wish God to “roll His eyes” at you after your third or fourth sin in a day? I venture to say that you would want Christ to always be there, ready to forgive you. And, this is what He does when we truly repent. If we are forgiven for our sins, must we not in turn forgive those who have wronged us? The answer is yes, because Christ says we must do so.

If you ever hesitate to forgive a repentant brother or sister, remember what Christ does for you. Would you ever want to wonder if you have been forgiven if you have a repentant heart and go to Christ?

Forgive the one who comes to you and repents. Do not delay. Live as Christ tells us to live.