First Lutheran Church

Forgive seventy-seven times? Jesus’ instruction seems, at best, all but impossible and, at worst, dangerous. Sometimes the Bible has been used to excuse abuse in the name of mercy, but Jesus doesn’t mean to condone suffering for its own sake or to commit us to endlessly enduring hurt and harm. Instead, Jesus wants to orient Peter and us to the all-encompassing nature of forgiveness. Seven days make the week complete and whole. Grace also extends to us the promise of wholeness, and yet forgiveness that comes from the heart is immeasurable.