“Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, I do not say up to seven times, but to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-23 (NKJV) There is a very unique and penetrating power found in our ability to forgive those who have wronged us. In fact, our ability to forgive has a direct impact on our relationship with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NKJV) This commitment from the Father channeled down into the ministry of His son is unequivocal, undeniable, and unchangeable because it rests on the promise of our God who is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy towards us. Simply put, if you want to be forgiven you must first show forth the capacity to forgive. Admittedly so, that is just the way it is according to the word of God. Oftentimes we try to equate forgiveness with forgetfulness. There is absolutely no relationship whatsoever. They both take place within a different sphere of the triune nature of man. If we had to forget every scene, every episode, every hurt, and every pain that we have had to endure as a prerequisite for forgiveness, then it would never be accomplished. When we forgive, it is in effect “releasing” the person or persons who have caused us pain. In doing so we may still have memories of the event but the effects no longer control our emotions and actions. Jesus’ response to Peter is in the context of the unforgiving servant in verses 21-35 of chapter 18. You must read this very powerful parable. If you fail to release someone who has trespassed against you, guess who is still in bondage? You got it, you are! You cannot fail to forgive and then expect to be forgiven. “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15 (NKJV) The main idea of our devotional text poses the question of how often we should forgive. Peter’s question to Jesus places forgiveness in numerical terms so Jesus responds to him in numerical terms; although that is not the pivotal point of the passage. Jesus does not give us a legalistic or mathematical formula to be adhered to. Rather his response is to convey that forgiveness is limitless. When we forgive, not only are we releasing ourselves and the individual from further bondage to the incident but we are also opening the door for restoration to take place between all parties involved. Forgiveness is often a process. It is not easy at times and not necessarily instantaneous, yet it must take place if we are to truly be free. First of all we must forgive others who have violated us. Secondly, we must accept the forgiveness of God, bought and paid for by the blood of His only son no matter what we may have done or have been a party to. Then lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we must forgive ourselves. It is then that we move from release, to restoration, and then to reconciliation. This process must be repeated as often as necessary to ensure our irrevocable peace with God. “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do. Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 10:25:33 +0000
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