Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote, "Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude." Jesus taught his disciples the same principle. Peter came to Jesus and asked, “'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'" (Mt. 18:21-22). Jesus’ point is that there should be no limits placed on our forgiveness. He taught that He requires His followers to forgive in light of being forgiven by God. For God, forgiveness is not a one time or occasional act. Forgiveness is something that God offers perpetually in Christ. Forgiveness flows from an attitude of God’s heart that is based in who He is as a gracious, merciful, and loving God. Far from being an encouragement to sin more, God’s mercy and kindness should inspire us to turn from our sin as we realize He loves us far more and better than a path of sin ever could.
How might God be calling you to apply His forgiveness in your own life? Do you need to confess to God and draw near to feel His forgiving embrace? Is there someone, perhaps even a group of people, that you have bitterness and unforgiveness toward? Think of God’s actions toward you in Christ. Christ offers forgiveness not just once or twice, but forgiveness that is never ending. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).