One… Two… Three
Three seems like the threshold of tolerance.
Reference: Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:34 NIV)
Explore: “Three strikes and you’re out!” “Bad things come in threes.”
Three seems like the threshold of tolerance. Three chances seems like the general consensus when it comes to disciplinary action.
I can’t keep count of the amount of times I’ve counted to three with my boys. There are times when I’m not even sure of what the consequence will be at the end, but they know the deadline is three.
This system is used at schools and in business. It gives you a warning, a chance to improve but a knowledge of what is to come.
It is clear that once three comes around there are severe consequences.
Application: Fortunately for us, God does not work on threes. If he did, Simon Peter would never have made it past the crucifixion. And we would never have made it past toddler age!!
God continues to forgive, even our most heinous acts. And he encourages us to do the same.
I realise in corporations there needs to be limits, but what about in our families, in our churches and in our relationships. Let us not have three as our milestone, but let us lose count when it comes to forgiveness and love.
Prayer: Lord, give me the grace to forgive as you have forgiven me. Amen.
Who do you need to extend more forgiveness towards?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.