September 27, 2025
— John Stott · Source: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount (IVP, The Bible Speaks Today), ch. "A Christian's prayer: not mechanical but thoughtful" (Matthew 6:7-15), on 6:14-15
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and said, “Lord, how often must my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
When we are hurt, our instinct is to hold grudges and bear grudges, but Jesus calls us to respond with boundless forgiveness. God has forgiven us immeasurably, and we are called to extend this forgiveness to those who have hurt us. True reconciliation isn't about waiting for the other person to change, but about releasing resentment from our hearts and allowing love and God's grace to flow. Forgiveness is a life attitude and God's call on our lives.
Lord, thank you for your boundless forgiveness. Give me the strength to forgive those who have hurt me. Please heal the resentment in my heart, freeing me from the bondage of the past. Help me to respond to others with forgiveness and love, becoming a channel of peace and reconciliation. May my life reflect your grace, allowing me to practice the forgiveness and reconciliation you call me to in my family, church, and society.