That Is What He Is Like

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22 (New American Standard Bible)

The forgiveness of the father for the prodigal son, the forgiveness of the king for the servant who owed what he could not pay, and the higher standard of forgiveness given to Peter when his own was less than extravagant, go far beyond what God wants us to demonstrate. Each is an example of His willingness and capability to forgive and to keep on forgiving.

I marvel when someone sticks with me each time I fail, take steps backwards, give in to the dictates of my flesh, and just plain blow it! When it is all said and done, I look to see if they are still around and when I see that they are I wonder at their patience, persistence, and love. Each time I feel least deserving of their friendship and support they end up giving me the gift of compassion and companionship. Their ability to see the small steps of growth among the times of getting side tracked, off track, and back tracked makes me realize afresh how very little I truly understand about unconditional love.

The same is true of God. How He wants me to see that His love never falters. His forgiveness knows no limits or expiration dates. He sees the heart behind the actions and knows the desire for change. When what I thought was conquered comes back with a vengeance, He says, “I forgive you.” When my love for others is blocked by the hindrances of my own heart, He says, “I forgive you.” When failures are repeated and attitudes of the heart have once again been apparent, He says, “I forgive you.” Whatever I bring to Him is always met with the same words, “I forgive you.” His words entail more than a fresh start and stain removal. They let me know He is not giving up on me, tired of me, or disgusted with me. He is not seeing me as an impossibility or lost cause. He does not view my set backs as cancellation of all that He has done so far.

I drink in grace today whether it is extended to me by God or by another person. It is the only way to keep condemning thoughts and feelings from taking over and robbing me of the joy He intends for me to walk in.

Father, thank you for those who are Your hands and heart to me. They often flesh out the truths about You. Amen.

What a Faithful God - Robert Critchley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEgyKpzyUw&feature=related

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16