The mercy that has been shown to us by our Heavenly Father is truly amazing. We, who were enemies with God as the scripture declare were given a gift we could never repay. The mercy and goodness made available to humanity through the cross of Jesus Christ is so wondrous.

All our own righteousness is as filthy rags before God. He is the Holy and Righteous One. Yet because of His great love, He provided not only forgiveness but righteousness as well. And to think that this is just the beginning.

Freely all blessings of Christ's sacrifice have been placed before us to live in and enjoy forever. He has also gien us everything that pertains to life and godliness. When an individual has identified with Christ in baptism, the Word of God declares that they are also raised up to newness of life. The life of God dwells in us and brings forth the new nature.

With all this in mind, let's transition our focus from all the things that we have freely received, to that which we are to freely give.

It was Peter that has brought us to this retrospective moment. He asked the question that most of us would have asked had we been in his shoes, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21 NKJV

We all have those people in our lives, who offend, wound and take advantage of us. Seriously we ask the question, "God doesn't want them to get with all this, does He?" or perhaps it is this thought that travels through our minds, "They aren't changing so why should I forgive them, if they were really sorry, they would change".

We have all had opportunities to be offended, people have done hurtful things to us, and seem to never change. Its like they're getting away with it.

....Rewind

Have you ever struggled in an area of your life? In the midst of that battle you cry out to God for mercy and forgiveness. Each time we ask God to free us.

That is why Jesus responded to Peter in this way, "I do not say to you seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew 18:22 NKJV

Of course Jesus never intended for us to count up and individual's offences. In Christ, God does not keep track of our many sins, but each time He offers mercy when we come to him with a repentant heart. Take a look at what mercy is available to us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". 1John 1:8,9 NKJV.

Next time we'll look at what happens to those who have been forgiven and yet refuse to forgive.

Pastor Bill