“Seven“, by Rev. Angela Martin
In our scripture for today, Peter asks Jesus how many times we must forgive someone who does us wrong. Jesus’ answer indicates that we must forgive until the forgiveness is complete, whatever the number of times.
In his book, Forgiveness, Adam Hamilton indicates that there are some things we need to understand as we move toward complete forgiveness. First, forgiving is not the same as condoning. We forgive, we let go of the idea of retribution and we choose not to allow the wrongs committed against us to affect our lives. Second, forgiving doesn’t dismiss the consequences. If someone betrays us, we may forgive but it may take a while before we trust that person again. Third, forgiveness can be hard depending on the size of the hurt that has been caused. With small grievances, we must constantly forgive. When we have suffered a deeper hurt, we must communicate that hurt to the wrongdoer, hope for repentance on their part and then work toward offering mercy and forgiveness. Sometimes this is a long process.
God’s forgiveness for us is always absolute and complete. We are called to work toward the same in our relationships with others.
~Angela Martin
The Word
Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
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