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A Prayer for Grace to Forgive Perpetual Offenders

     Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, ”but seventy times seven! Matt. 18:21-22 (NLT)

     Dear Lord Jesus, I’ve read this story and heard it read, preached it and have heard it preached, what seems like a gazillion times, but it never grows old and never grows unnecessary. The need for forgiveness and the call to forgive, are as daily as breathing, eating, and sleeping.

     Jesus, I know I sin against you—in thought, word, and deed, every single day. And I also know that, through the gospel, I’m completely forgiven, declared righteous, and a beloved child of Abba, Father. Hallelujah, many times over!

     When I confess my sins, you’re neither shocked nor informed; and you know my need of your grace is much greater than I realize. But you also know that my standing in your grace is much more glorious than I could hope or imagine. Nothing compares with the treasures we have received in the gospel.

     But Jesus, receiving your grace is often much easier than extending your grace—especially with certain people and in certain storylines. Currently, there are a few “seventy times seven” forgiveness scenarios which are munching on my joy like tiny voracious piranha.

     I have been over-the-top generous with forgiveness; but now, Jesus, it’s easy to withdraw, be smug, and want them to pay. It’d be easy to gossip and tell others not to trust those who have hurt me. In short, Jesus, I am a mess. I know that to forgive isn’t the same thing as trusting and forgiving; and I know that not forgiving is not an option.

     So here’s my cry: Come, Holy Spirit, come. Humble and gentle me, settle and focus me. Grant me the want to, will, and wisdom to forgive as I’ve been forgiven. Reveal the scandalous wonder of the gospel—to me and through me. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ holy and loving name.

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