Limits on Forgiveness

If your brother sins, rebuke him;  if he repents, forgive him.  If he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, "I am sorry," you should forgive him.   -Luke 17:3-4

The last time I was preparing for confession I thought to myself, "All of my sins are repeats.  What is Jesus going to think if I keep having the same sin?"  Jesus forgiveness knows no limits according to this bible passage.  He always forgives my sins.

I wish I was more forgiving.  If someone came to me 7 times saying sorry my likely reply would likely be an annoyed, "Not this time.  If you really want to be forgiven maybe stop doing the same thing over and over again."  As in all things, I need to use Jesus as my example in forgiveness of my neighbor.

And if I can't forgive my neighbor, I shouldn't expect their forgiveness when I say sorry.  Believe me, I need all the forgiveness I can get.