Devotionals

Three Strikes, You're Out

by PamFord Davis 
04/14/20
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‘Three strikes, you're out!’

That last swing was so close...

Babe Ruth was one of the greatest players of all time. His home runs record earned him a place in the Baseball Hall Of Fame, at Cooperstown, New York. I went to the museum on an 8^th grade class field trip. We remember Babe's achievements. Many don’t realize he struck out a great number of times. Officials kept score.

Do I keep score?

People can offend me.

Three times, you’re out.

I want people to forgive me; God wants me to forgive others.

Simon Peter questioned Jesus about how many times he should forgive.

“Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘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 (Matthew 18:21-22 NASB).”

Peter thought seven was a generous figure. Jesus said seventy.

Seventy one strikes, you’re out?

I should not keep count. The final decision is mine.

Will I forgive?