Forgive... Not Seven times but Seventy Seven times

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18:21-22 


It's very hard to forgive. Forgiveness is essential to our life here on earth. Jesus gave us the perfect example of forgiveness while he was on earth. Jesus loved us so much that he bore all our sins on the cross that goes before us. Every wrong we have done; every pain has become  A LOT LIGHTER because Jesus bore it before us.

Jesus is asked by his own, disciples, how many times should they forgive. Because they know that they have to forgive, and they know they everyone does wrong, but how much is enough? We need to draw a line right? No.

Jesus tells us that we shouldn't just forgive seven times. He told us to forgive 77 times. Or 77 X 7 times. Which is a higher perfect number. Jesus told us that we must forgive as many times as someone does wrong. We are NEVER supposed to stop forgiving. It's human nature. We will end up sinning no matter what. (not to be negative) But we all do, and we must enjoy the Greatness that God has to offer us!

During our Lenten season, we are especially called to go and repent. To turn away from sin, and follow the gospel. We must turn away from all the sin, and all the wrong we do to others, and to God, and ask for forgiveness. We need to be clean, inside and out. 

Forgiving others is easy as saying, " I'm sorry" right? Wrong. To truly ask for forgiveness, we must be truly sorry with our hearts, mind and soul. For if we want to continue on the path of righteousness we need to forgive the person, with everything we have and move on.

This is a lifetime learning experience. To truly forgive with our heart, is something that takes ages to learn. Jesus gave us the PERFECT example, while he was suffering on the cross. 


While Jesus was on the cross, He had said, " Father Forgive Them For They Do Not Know What They Do" It was just a few days ago that they were welcoming him into the great city of Jerusalem.  They had heard things about Jesus, and maybe heard a few teachings of his, so they welcomed this great king, into Jerusalem. But, after they spent time with him, he didn't fit their image of the Son Of God. He wasn't what they were looking for. 

They were blind. 

They had stones for hearts.

So can we. 

We can often become blind and have stone hearts. We can close up our hearts if we are hurt, and we can't forgive because they hurt us too much. But no, God opens it, once we can see, that maybe they do deserve forgiveness. Jesus wanted those who crucified him to be forgiven. At the point of death, he still forgave them. With the help of Jesus, we can break the heart of stone, and open ourselves to forgiveness. 

God forgives us- Just as we forgive others.

We ask God, to forgive us, just as we forgive, every time we pray the Our Father. So if we hold a grudge, or if we don't want to forgive, then why should God forgive us? God, wants to forgive us, so we must forgive others. God won't forgive us any more than we have forgiven our brother or sister. 

Seven times.

Or even better 77 times 7.

_________________________




Comments

  1. Nice post Mike; God wants us to be peacemakers; He wants us to show forgiveness and love towards others even when they have done us wrong. He honors our commitment to obey Him and our desire to please Him when we chose to forgive!

    Blessings and hugs!
    Denise

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    1. Thanks For stopping by! God Is a Great God, Who Forgives us, if we can forgive our brother and sister!

      Mike

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    1. Thanks For stopping by and taking time to read my posts!

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