Forgiveness.

January 26, 2012 in Church with 2 Comments

Forgiveness is one of those things that isn’t easy, but seems to be vital to the life of a Christian.  The way we forgive, reflects the forgiveness that God has shown us.  Our willingness to make amends flies in the face of our revenge-based nature.

The other night I noticed that in Matthew 18 when Peter is asking Jesus how many times he must forgive someone.  You know, the one where Jesus blows his mind with 77 (or 490, depending on your translation) instead of a measly seven.  The interesting thing is that the question isn’t about forgiveness, it’s about not forgiving. 

Peter’s question wasn’t “how many times do I get to forgive someone,” but in reality it was more along the lines of “when can I stop forgiving.” 

That’s true with me as well.  I don’t mind forgiving people I like, or that I am friends with.  But when someone who disagrees with me, or who gets on my nerves needs forgiveness, I feel like asking the same question.  “When can I stop forgiving?  Surely this must be enough, right?”  But forgiveness is more like a circle, than a line.

We forgive others, because we’ve been forgiven; in hopes that they’ll forgive like they were forgiven. 

When is a time you’ve had to ask forgiveness from someone?  What emotions did you feel when you approached them?

Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net / ambro

2 Responses to “Forgiveness.”

  1. Adrian W. January 26, 2012 at 8:57 AM #

    I really like the idea of forgiveness being more of a circle than a line.

    I frequently ask forgiveness from my wife, but that’s another matter entirely. =)

  2. lindsey goodall January 26, 2012 at 9:32 AM #

    I really love that last sentence, Seth. Forgiveness is a road I’ve had to travel time and time again, and I really love how simply and elegantly you expressed it there. Try as I may, I’ve never been able to put my finger on it so succinctly!

    Thank you!