A Clean Uniform

READ: PSALM 103:12; MATTHEW 18:21-33; COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

In Matthew 18, Jesus said to forgive people “seventy times seven” times (verse 22). Have you ever read this and thought, “I’m sure I’ve forgiven _______ that many times already! I’m done!” You might already know this, but this verse doesn’t mean we should literally forgive someone seven times seventy—or 490—times. It means we should forgive someone every time they wrong us—the way Jesus forgives us unconditionally, every time we sin.

God’s forgiveness never runs out. Ever. His love for us is inexhaustible. Even though all of humanity turned away from God, choosing the filth of sin instead of His love, He kept pursuing us, determined to make the way for us to be with Him again. That’s why Jesus died on the cross. He took all our sins upon Himself, bearing the guilt and shame we deserved. And then, He rose again. Through His sacrifice, Jesus cleanses us from all our sin—past, present, and future.

So now, as forgiven people, we are called to forgive others. It might help to imagine that forgiving other people is like cleaning a sports uniform. You might have just washed it yesterday, but it will get dirty again the next time you have a game. And every time it gets dirty, you wash it—even though you know you’re going to get it dirty again. You wash it whenever it needs to be washed. That’s the way Jesus calls us to forgive too. Again, and again, and again.

It’s never easy. But remember, you can talk to the person who wronged you and be honest with them about how their actions have affected you. Forgiving someone does not mean you let them continue harmful behavior, and in some cases you may need to set up some loving boundaries or even go to the authorities. But, since Jesus took away our sins, He calls us not to hold others’ sins against them. And Jesus doesn’t just tell us to forgive, He makes it possible. Once we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, empowering us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven (Luke 7:47). When we ponder how often we do, say, or think something that’s wrong—and how we are forgiven by Jesus every single time—it makes it a little easier to forgive those who do wrong to us. • A. W. Smith

• Can you think of a time someone forgave you for something you did wrong? How did you feel?

• Is there someone you’re struggling to forgive? Consider spending some time in prayer. You can process your thoughts and feelings with God because they matter to Him, and you can ask for His help to forgive the person who wronged you. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them. If someone is hurting you, seek help from a trusted adult.

Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Colossians 3:13 (CSB)