September 19 — "No Ledger—No Limits"

Today's Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness isn’t a suggestion in the Christian life. Nor is it something reserved just for a few “super holy” religious ones. It’s a divine mandate for all of us. In Matthew 18, Peter asked Jesus if forgiving someone seven times was enough. Jesus responded, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” That’s 490, if you’re counting.

In Jewish tradition, forgiving three times was considered wildly generous—borderline heroic. Peter thought seven would earn a gold star. But Jesus wasn’t raising the bar—He was obliterating it. His message? Forgiveness isn’t about keeping a ledger; it’s about mirroring the heart of a God whose mercy is limitless.

So what does that mean for us today? It means forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s always on the table. We forgive because we’ve been forgiven. God erased a debt we could never repay—every sin, every act of rebellion, every stray thought and selfish deed—all nailed to the cross of Christ. Compared to the avalanche of grace we’ve received, the offenses others commit against us are spare change. Painful? Yes. But microscopic next to the mountain of mercy already credited to our account.

Let’s paint a picture: imagine standing in court, guilty of a billion-dollar fraud, with zero chance of repayment. Then—shockingly, abruptly—the judge cancels your debt and sets you free. Now imagine walking out and suing someone for twenty bucks. Absurd, right? That’s the contrast Jesus is driving home. The forgiveness we give will always be dwarfed by the forgiveness we’ve received.

Now, let’s be real—we don’t always feel like forgiving. And God never asks us to fake it or pretend the pain isn’t real. Forgiveness is a decision, not a mood. You may not “feel” forgiving, but you can still choose to release the person to God. Obedience comes first, and feelings follow. Think of forgiveness as handing over the IOU to the Lord—even if your emotions are still kicking and screaming.

So what now? Drop the scorecard. If you’re keeping a ledger of offenses, shred it. Let go of the grievances you’ve been gripping and give them to God. Forgive quickly. Forgive freely. Forgive fully. Forgive always. Even if you’re at number 490, there’s room for one more. Not because they deserve it, but because God drenched you in mercy when you didn’t deserve a drop. Forgiveness is the way of Jesus.

And now, may the Lord flood your memory with the mercy He’s lavished on you. May He soften the places hardened by hurt, fill your heart with His compassion, and lift the weight of resentment off your shoulders. May His Spirit empower you to forgive again and again and again—just as He has so extravagantly forgiven you.