Hello
Greetings on the last day of the 3rd quarter. Only recently I was wondering what my year would look like, and with God’s grace, I’m still here. Thank you Lord
Here’s today’s nougat
Jesus answered him saying, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” Matthew 18.22
I remember my first conscious encounter of this verse. Entertaining myself at church as a child, I stumbled into this directive and soon began the frustrating task of attempting to chronicle each person’s sin. For, the moment they passed 77 – more so, seventy times 7 transgressions, that would be it! I would have fulfilled the law. Not!
Firstly, I kept losing count. Secondly, when I determined that my 5th grade teacher surpassed grace, I got the punishment for taking vengeance in my own hands. Thirdly, the Lord indicated that for me, the aim was extending forgiveness even for the mere recall of an individual’s transgression. Way OUCH!!!
Isn’t it funny though that one person may be permitted to trample all over us, and we make excuses for their behaviour, but a lesser or equal infraction by another becomes unforgivable?
And furthermore, is that really what God desires us to use our gifts for? Holding someone hostage in our heart, reducing room for God’s plans?
It may actually take more energy to keep the bitterness going, and it definitely gets in the way of our spiritual progress. Plus, I definitely would prefer to be forgiven 490 times rather than 7 times.
Lord Jesus, teach me how to forgive
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
