Editor’s note: This is a reprinted column from Jack Purcell’s “On the Journey” archives. It originally appeared in The Star in 2013.
The Bible always gives us an accurate record of what people said, but sometimes it is interesting to imagine what they might have been thinking.
As recorded in Matthew 18:21, I think Peter was feeling quite proud of himself when he said to Jesus, "How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
If you grew up with an older brother you are probably thinking like Peter, that seven is a huge number. He had to have been shocked at the reply.
Jesus answered, "I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to 70 times seven."
The point is obvious. Forgiveness is important to Jesus.
Jesus goes on to tell the story of the servant who was forgiven a great debt but then refused to be forgiving toward one who owed him little. The master in the story had the servant turned over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay back his debt.
Then Jesus said, in Matthew 18:35, "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Why all this emphasis on forgiveness? Isn't Jesus a little over the top on this issue?
Consider for a moment what it took to earn your forgiveness. What did it take for you to be called righteous and holy by God?
I have counseled many people over the years who said to me, "I could never forgive him." I could fully understand why the person felt that way.
Most of the time the person in question didn't deserve to be forgiven. The difficulty is a fine distinction. The decision to forgive from Jesus' point of view must come from the heart, not from feelings.
Feelings are very powerful and are usually fortified by hundreds of thoughts. To forgive from Jesus’ perspective must come from a decision of the heart to do the right thing.
There is much written about forgiveness and some of it is foolishness. I saw one book titled "Forgive and Forget."
I have heard people say that, as you probably have. You never hear or read that in the Bible.
Forgetting is not necessary and most cases impossible. Forgiveness is an intent and act of the heart, not just the mind.
The only person I know who can choose to forget sins is God (Psalm 103:12, Jerimiah 31:34). If Jesus gave his life to pay for all the sins you and I have ever committed or ever will commit, do you not think he has justification to expect an attitude of forgiveness from those of us who have benefitted from the magnitude of his sacrifice?
The difficulty is that most of us allow our feelings and memories to rule the day when it comes to forgiving others.
Forgiveness is not just a good Christian behavior that pops up on Jesus' list of 10 things required to be a good Christian. Forgiveness is at the very core or the foundation of God's grace. No forgiveness, no grace. No grace, no forgiveness.
So the next time you're thinking it is awfully hard to forgive someone, ask yourself this question. "Where would I be if Jesus hadn't chosen to forgive me even though I didn't deserve it?"
If you are saying to God, "I can't forgive him." God is probably thinking, "You've got to be kidding."
Comment
Comments