“No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven ..." Matthew 18:21 onwards.
By my calculations this makes 490 times. I've forgiven someone 489 times; so they're getting very close to a thump on the head!
Seriously though, Jesus is teaching us here to forgive any wrongdoings against us time and again. But what is forgiveness?
It is to accept the wrongdoing done to us and not to seek any revenge, retribution, punishment, pay-back of any ill-will against the one who hurt us. To just let him go freely. Whether he has asked for forgiveness or not. Whether he cares for our forgiveness or not. Just let him go and in your heart truly forgive him.
This does not necessarily mean reconciliation. There are times when reconciliation is not possible, nor advisable. Just let the person go freely in peace.
Also, this does not mean that the hurt will go away. Often the hurt will remain with you. The slightest memory, and the pain and the hurt of the wrongdoing done to you will return. Use this as a trigger to forgive once again. Whenever Jesus sees the wounds in His hands, feet and side He forgives once again. Be like Jesus.
When the bad memories come back pray for the one who hurt you. You cannot possible hate anyone you pray for.
And should you hear news or gossip that something bad has happened to the one who has hurt you, do not rejoice at his misfortune. This nullifies all your forgiveness.
If the person who has hurt you has passed away, He is now in the sight of God and has seen the event in all its facets and his role, and yours, in it. The matter is between him and God now.
If you were in any way guilty in the event, ask God for forgiveness and earnestly repent for your part in it.
And accept God's forgiveness. Don't keep going back on the events and wonder if you've been forgiven, and feel guilty all over again. By doing so you're insulting God by suggesting He hasn't truly forgiven you.
Now ... have you got a calculator?
...forgiving can be easier that forgetting.
ReplyDeleteSo true ...
DeleteGod bless, Tom.
He can heal the hurt too.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Sandi. God bless you.
DeleteAmen
DeleteGod bless, Happyone.
DeleteI need a calculator, too, Victor. But let's just keep on forgiving and not count the times we do so.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
It's the pain of the memories that's the main problem. That's when we forgive the same wrongdoing over and over again. It soon adds up to 490 and more.
DeleteGod bless, Martha.
Forgive and forget!
ReplyDeleteAmen Bill. God bless.
DeleteWonderful post. For me, the next to last paragraph is the most important one. Sometimes I have trouble really believing that God has forgiven my sins.
ReplyDeleteI understand Kathy. If we have truly repented then we should accept that God has forgiven us. It's like a Catholic going to Confession and when he's absolved he asks the priest: "Are you sure?"
DeleteGod bless you.
This affects me so deeply. Still trying to grasp the enormity of His love. Trying.....
ReplyDeleteIt is too difficult to understand, Mevely. But perhaps God does not want us to understand but just to accept His love. Freely given. No strings attached. No conditions apart from John 3:16 and loving one another.
DeleteGod bless you, my friend.
Excellent points, all of them.
ReplyDeleteThere is also a time, when the same person (who might be close to you) does the same wrong again and again and asks forgiveness again and again, to gently point out repentance and asking to be forgiven should include turning from that action, seeing how much it hurts, and stopping doing it as much as you possibly can.
Just because you have to forgive the person who thumps you on the head over and over when they ask doesn't mean you have to continue letting them thump, even if it's someone you live with.
This is a difficult and complex point to discuss fully here, Mimi. Feel free to write to me if you wish. (CONTACT US tab at the top).
DeleteI have known cases of people in a violent marriage; sometimes involving the husband addicted to alcohol who comes home and beats wife and children. In such cases (just an example) continuous repentance and forgiveness is not the answer.
Also, I have known cases of continuous infidelity; and the same points apply.
I'm sure Jesus did not have these in mind when He said forgive seventy times seven. In some cases the answer is not forgiveness; but appropriate action.
God bless.
Yes, we are clearly told that we will be forgiven as we forgive others, so forgiveness by us is not optional. Also it is really good for us physically and emotionally. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terra. It's great to see you here again. Why not call more often, and invite your friends here. The more people who join the discussion the more we learn from each other.
DeleteIndeed, we should forgive if we expect (hope) that God will forgive us.
God bless you.
Very good and timely entry my friend. We hope you are well over there and Blessed. We have a friend who, no matter the circumstances, when asked, "How are you doing?" His answer is AWAYS, "I'm Blessed, thank you!"
ReplyDeleteWhen you wrote:
There are times when reconciliation is not possible, nor advisable. Just let the person go freely in peace.....
You touched a cord and rung a bell. Thanks.....
Sherry & jack on the next coast over this way...
It's great to see you Jack and Sherry. Indeed, we are always Blessed; and the Lord takes care of us.
DeleteSadly, it is not always possible to reconcile after a breakdown in relationship. All one has to do is forgive and move on.
It's raining here; hope its better where you are.
God bless always dear friends.
Forgive and forget and move on ...
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Amen Jan. God bless.
DeleteThat's right Victor, we must not keep a record of wrongs.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Brenda. Forgive us our sins as we forgive others.
DeleteGod bless.