Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 17

Highlight Verses:

“Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.” The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you’ve been going to church for a while, you have probably heard about faith like a mustard seed and forgiving others over and over.

But did you know those verses were right next to each other?

Jesus knows us.

He knows that sometimes we will mess up over and over.

He also knows that it is tough to forgive those who wrong us over and over.

That’s where the rubber hits the road when it comes to faith.

It’s not so hard to forgive once.

But when it happens over and over, that’s when we need to trust Jesus for the power to continue to forgive.

That’s not easy.

I’ve seen the struggles of a young man with addicted parents and a wife with a cheating husband.

In those specific cases that immediately came to mind, the victims fought to have the extreme faith it takes to forgive.

And they found healing and victory through that faith.

Those relationships were restored to health.

A mustard seed is tiny.

Jesus elsewhere explained that the tiny mustard seed grows into a great bush.

I would add that it brings great flavor.

So, plant that tiny seed of faith in Jesus, water it with prayer, worship, and obedience, and it will blossom into a great faith that will bring a good flavor to your life.

One important side note is that I don’t believe Jesus would want to keep you in harms way. If what you need to forgive is abuse, it is important to seek help that will keep you and those around you safe. The healing and forgiveness in that kind of situation is sped up through removing yourself from the danger.

Are you carrying the burden of unforgiveness?
Do you have the faith to forgive?
Have you looked to Jesus for strength to grow that faith? Over and over?