Let’s do the math. Peter asked Jesus how many times would be a good amount to forgive someone? Seven times? Jesus replied, “I tell you, not as many as seven; but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). That’s 490 times a person should be forgiven. But to be clear, Jesus meant we should forgive that often, towards the same person, in one day (not over a lifetime).

The real point is, quit counting.

So now let me ask this question: Would God ask you to forgive someone more times than He’s willing to forgive you personally?

Of course not.

He’s the God of another chance. And another chance. And another chance. And another chance. And another chance… I’m tempted to write that out 490 times so you’ll get the picture, but I think you can see where I’m going with this.

The point is that you need to receive what God has given you– another chance.

If you failed, if you missed it, I’m here to tell you God is bigger than your mistakes. His love towards you is bigger than the lies, schemes, tricks, and accusations of the enemy. God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting, not week to week depending on how you measure up.

There is a righteous side of God. He calls us to walk in His ways because (1) it honors Him, and (2) it benefits us. But God is also merciful and compassionate. The Bible says He fashioned our hearts individually and understands all we do (Psalm 33:15). God doesn’t approve of sin, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice, He doesn’t disown us because of it either.

Our Heavenly Father is the God of another chance.

My prayer for you today is this: allow God to give you the same forgiveness He’s asking you to give to others.

In John 8:1-11, we read the story of the woman caught in adultery. There many take-aways from this account, but I want to focus on Jesus’ question at the end. “Womanation, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you? She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Jesus could have first addressed her sin– but instead He intentionally addressed her guilt and condemnation first. Why? Because the enemy tries to use our past mistakes to separate us from God’s love. If he can convince us there’s no way God would forgive us again then our natural inclination is to pull away from His presence.

Of course Jesus had to say, “Go and sin no more” because sin also puts distance between us and God. But His compassion and mercy fails not– He emphatically says in His Word, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

He is faithful. Time and time again, you can count on His faithfulness. He is the God of much love and many opportunities. The New Covenant reveals this over and over. So I pray you receive this encouragement and help others find it too.