Forgive and Forget

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." (Matthew 18:21, 22) 

The blood Jesus shed offers us complete forgiveness and the limitless capacity to forgive — and then to forget. Remember, all our sins are first and foremost an affront to God (not men), and He responds to our sins with the willingness to forgive them all. Therefore, we are able to forgive others, because He’s forgives us, and we are like our Father. We are no longer trapped in bitterness, anger, and a victim mentality, because we have been given a new heart, a new spirit, and the ministry of reconciliation. Now, we can pray for our enemies and those who sin against us! Like our Savior, we can say, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)

The Lord forgives and forgets, and He expects the same of us. In fact, He will only remember our sins if we don’t forgive others their sins. Jesus said, “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15) How petty we are, quick to beg for forgiveness and restoration, and slow to do the same for others! While it is never easy, God gives us the power to do what we could not do otherwise. His love endures, and He never grows weary of hearing our sincere confession and forgiving our trespasses. We are called to be like Him and do for others what He does for us — forgive and forget. Father, help us!

Let's Pray - Lord, I will never forget the price You paid to forgive my sins. I will show my appreciation by forgiving those who have sinned against me, like I have been forgiven of the sins I committed against You. Thank You for my Savior Who forgives me, and Your Spirit Who keeps me. Amen.