Proper 19

Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Is it true we have to forgive people no matter what they do or how often they do it? That's what Peter wants to know in Sunday's gospel.

The answer is only one God could give, and it's basically yes. "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." With God, there is no "three-strike" rule.

So why is forgiveness in such short supply, even among Christians? It turns out that to forgive like God we have to put our faith in God. If you're having trouble forgiving, it could be you're having trouble believing too.

If your faith is a little weak, then church is the right place for you. Paul writes in Sunday's epistle, "Welcome those who are weak in faith."

But the church is no gathering of the feeble. Click here to watch or read the sermon to find out why you can trust this God who forgives, so you can become like Him in forgiving.

(This was Mr. Dell's first sermon preached at St. Peter's.)