There are no long-term relationships without forgiveness. Why? Because we live in a broken world. We wrong others, and others wrong us. Peter understood this when he asked Jesus, how often should I forgive? Jesus’ answer is offensive to many. Doesn’t He know how I’ve been wronged?! Jesus does know, and He also has the right to command us to forgive. Why? Because He was wronged far greater than anyone who ever lived. Yet He responded, “Father, forgive them.”
Take Home Message: We forgive because we have been forgiven.
We forgive because…
- Our world is broken (21-22).
- Our debt has been forgiven (23-27).
- Our refusal kills our witness (28-31).
- Our Lord demands forgiveness (32-35).
