Faith for Forgiveness

Genesis 42-43; Psalms 5; Luke 17

“’So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent!’ forgive him.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”

Luke 17:3-5

Why does our choice to live with forgiveness in all relationships require faith?

Jesus’ example of a brother who sins against us seven times in a day and each time repents, requiring us to forgive him each time, exposes the cost of forgiveness. We forgive because Christ has forgiven us. Our faith in the finished work of salvation and atonement on the cross is tested each time we forgive. 

Is our faith in the cross enough for us? Or do we need an increased measure of faith to apply the forgiveness we have received in circumstances of repetitive sin?

In which application of the gospel do we require more faith?

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your gift of forgiveness toward me. By faith, I receive your grace and mercy, and choose to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness to everyone again today, for your glory.”