Continuous Forgiveness
- Redemptive Recovery
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
March 20
"And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
(Luke 17:4)
Forgiveness is one of the hardest yet most necessary commands in the Christian life. When someone wrongs us repeatedly, our natural instinct is to withdraw, hold grudges, or demand justice. But Jesus challenges us with a radical standard; if someone sins against us multiple times in a single day and genuinely repents, we are to forgive them every time.
For many of us, holding onto resentment has been a way of protecting ourselves. We have been hurt, betrayed, and taken advantage of. Forgiveness may seem unfair, especially when the same person continues to offend. But Jesus reminds us that our call is not to measure how many times someone has hurt us, but to extend grace as He has extended it to us.
This does not mean enabling toxic behavior or ignoring the need for healthy boundaries. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing, nor does it always mean reconciliation. Rather, it frees us from the burden of bitterness. Unforgiveness is a prison that keeps us chained to the pain of the past, while forgiveness releases us into the peace of God.
If Jesus commands us to forgive others repeatedly, it’s because He does the same for us. How many times have we fallen short, sought His mercy, and received His grace? As we receive His forgiveness daily, we are called to extend it to others, even when it’s difficult.
Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? How does remembering God’s continual forgiveness toward you help you forgive others?
Lord, I confess that forgiveness is not always easy. Help me to release any resentment or bitterness in my heart. Teach me to extend the same grace to others that You have given me. May my heart reflect Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Redemptive Recovery (RR) is a Christian recovery group and program that is modeled on biblical truths. We believe that Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and that the bible is our roadmap. RR meets weekly and is for anyone currently navigating the challenges of addiction and also those that are further along in their recovery.
Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.