Here's a thought:
I was talking to my mom the other day about the fact that I am discovering that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time occurance. In other words, you may forgive someone today and have to do it again tomorrow. She said I should post that thought.
All of which lead me to rethink Matthew 18:21-22,
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
I know these verses are typically interpreted to mean that we may have to forgive someone over and over for many different offenses, and I believe that is basically correct.
But what if Jesus is referring to forgiving someone over and over again for the SAME offense... What if He is giving us a pattern to follow because He knows how our hearts work? We sincerely forgive, but find ourselves, at some later time, dredging up the old hurt and anger. So we have to forgive again. And again. And again.
I am sure Jesus is talking to me here.
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1 comment:
Michelle : Do think our Hearts and Minds can really understand the concept of forgiveness ? When I say the Lord's prayer I think about that. " and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us " It shows how important forgiveness is to God. We must forgive if we in return want to be forgiven. In human terms that is hard for me. Sometimes I have to just Pray, Father, teach me your forgiveness so that I can forgive like you forgive. Is that kind of like just saying the words so God will know we do not want to hold on to bad feelings or the Past. Life is to short to hold on to ill feelings. But they do creep back in and you have to do it all over again. I forgive, I forgive, I forgive ! And that's your sermon for today.....Love Uncle Kent
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