Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

— Matthew 18:22

When I was invited to write this month’s devotions, I accepted with eager anticipation. But I could not have known that I would soon also face a disruptive series of events that would turn this opportunity into an anxious task.

Pressure continued to build as my due date approached—and then passed. I struggled to find the motivation to keep writing, and a weight of guilt made things even worse.

Throughout this challenging time, however, the staff editor who worked with me remained encouraging, compassionate, prayerful, and forgiving. And, perhaps most of all, patience has been the constant thread woven into this experience for me.

This experience has reminded me of Jesus’ response to Peter when he asked about forgiving others. And it has helped me to see how patient a forgiving person can be, despite our own shortcomings at times.

Peter asked Jesus for guidance on how much patience we should give people who push situations past a reasonable limit to endure. And Jesus’ answer reminds us of just how patient our heavenly Father is with us. Though we, in our sin and wrongdoing, have been God’s enemies, he sent his own Son to give up his life for us so that we can have new life forever with him (Romans 5:8-11)!

Patient, forgiving King, how often we fall short, and how quick you are to remind us of your love. Thank you for your patient, full forgiveness. Help us to be patient in forgiving others. Amen.