ODJ: the outer edge of forgiveness
December 8, 2009
Then Peter . . . asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone?” (v.21).
READ: Matthew 18:21-35
A few weeks ago, my wife Miska and I were deep into an intense conversation, tasting the bitter fruit of a disconnected season. Sitting on the couch, we shared our hurts and hopes, our desire for more in our marriage. As we talked about what had led us to this place and where to go from here, Miska said, “I need to forgive you.” It’s hard to convey the impact of her godly decision as I try to capture that moment in words. But something was released in her—and in me, as I realized that I too needed to forgive.
Forgiveness holds an unparalleled power to heal and to restore, to melt hardened hearts. Forgiveness, however, seldom comes easy. Peter apparently felt the weight of forgiveness’ demands, asking Jesus to clarify how far—exactly—forgiveness should go. Do I have to forgive “seven times”? Peter asked (v.21). “No,” said Jesus, “seventy times seven” (v.22).
Peter wanted to discern the outer boundaries of his responsibility, the point where he could say: No more forgiveness. But Jesus would have none of it. While we may want to rest easy with our bitterness or rage, God calls us out of all that. God calls us to forgive.
Sometimes we balk at forgiveness because we misunderstand what it is. We wrongly think that forgiveness means denying the wrong and painful thing done to us. Often, however, we resist forgiveness because we simply don’t want to let someone off the hook.
This might seem like an impossible act: Offer lavish forgiveness to the repentant offender. Instead, it’s beautiful news that reveals what God is like and what “the kingdom of heaven can be compared to” (v.23). God lavishes His unquenchable forgiveness on us, reaching the darkest places of our heart.
—Winn Collier
Is there someone you have refused to forgive? What must take place in order for you to offer true forgivness?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS FeedRelated
ODJ: be the winner
September 5, 2009 Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t He spoken through us, too? (v.2). READ: Numbers 12:1-15 I can’t think of a time when I’d pay to watch sibling rivalry in action—well, maybe one. It would be fun to witness in person a match between tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams. Before the [...]
Gotta Trust Him!
By Edna Ho, 21, Malaysia Trust—a word that brings a smile to some and a frown to others. Some of us seem to get the best out of life when we trust in something or someone; for others, trust led to betrayal and deep hurt. Well, that’s life. Jesus never said that life will be [...]
ODJ: questions
January 12, 2012 When Jesus returned to the temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to Him and demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things?” (v.23). READ: Matthew 21:23-46 A recent televised interview captured my attention. The author of a controversial book kept responding to questions by saying, “That’s [...]
ODJ: i’m fine
September 4, 2011 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you (v.8). READ: Colossians 4:7-18 In my country, it’s customary to say, “How are you doing?” when greeting someone. And then comes the inevitable reflexive response: “Fine, how are you doing?”—regardless of [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米
someone really did hurt me, i pray God gives me the strength to forgive,i’m just going through the healing process now.