Good morning! I feel this is a very important lesson Jesus taught the disciples and left with us to learn from as well. Enjoy today’s devotion as we tackle the text.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 18:21-22 NLT
“21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

REFLECTION
Traditionally, forgiveness was granted three times, Peter offered seven times, but Jesus called for seventy times more, which equals 490 times.

Forgiveness maybe difficult in our own strength, but with God it is possible. It is possible to break free from bitterness, anger, and deception. The Lord, can repair our hearts and minds to forgive and trust Him with the outcome when we lean on Him and give Him our heart.

Today as you prepare your heart for the remainder of this week’s devotions, I would like for you to ponder on a few things.

• How many times has God, through the love of Jesus, forgiven you? ________

• List a few things you have been forgiven of? _________

• Who are the people you have a hard time forgiving? (e.g., you get frustrated everytime you think about them or refuse to think about them) _________

• Who do you want to or need to forgive? _________

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for today’s verses. Lord, thank you for the reminder of how much you have forgiven. Lord, it is you who forgives beyond 490 times and we thank you for forgiveness even when we don’t deserve it. Lord, you are our rock and our hearts lean on you to understand the depth of your love and forgiveness of sins. Lord, as we go through these verses this week, soften our hearts and help us to forgive. Lord, work in us and help us to overcome the struggles and difficulties that unforgiveness does to our heart, our spirit and mentality. Lord, may your words and thoughts begin to penetrate our actions and our desire for freedom from the spirit of unforgiveness. Set us free, Lord.

Lord, we pray for the family who lost their daughter to violence this weekend. Lord, help them as they question why, and as they miss her. Lord, comfort their broken hearts. Lord, be with her children and protect them as they grow up without her. Lord, we pray for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. We also ask for comfort, strength, and peace for them as well. Lord, we pray for each reader and ask for healing. Lord, you know their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs today. Lord, hear their prayers and answer them. Lord, comfort them in their waiting and give them understanding.

In Jesus name, amen.

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BIBLE STUDY 

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