Seventy x Seven

Getting annoyed, hurt, and disappointed by our fellow being is almost inevitable. I like to think of it as part of the beautiful complexity of dealing with unique individuals different from yourself. For many, the annoyance begins as soon as they step out their house to begin their day. But for others, it starts right before they step out; it starts as soon as they pick up their cellphone to check their social media, emails, text messages, and voicemail.

But God knowing that we are human and have our limits specified for us the number of times we should forgive in a day.

In the book of Matthew (chapter 18:21-22), Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. According to this verse, within a day, we are to forgive 490 times.

Why should we forgive:

• Forgive so that God may also forgive you. Matthew 6:14-15 tells us that “for if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
• Forgive because God Himself forgives you. Colossians 3:13 says to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
• Forgive for your own sake. Forgive because it helps gets rid of the anger and bitterness that lack of forgiveness breeds. Ephesians 4:31-32  tells us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
• Forgive so that your prayers may be answered. Mark 11: 25 reminds us that if we hold anything against another that we should forgive it before standing to pray, so that our Father in heaven will forgive our trespasses as well.
• Forgive because in doing so, you will exemplify a godly-behaviour. You will exemplify what God is all about, and what He teaches us through His words.

 When we don’t forgive, it breeds bitterness and takes us off our frequency of grace. More so, forgiving and letting go is more of a benefit to us than the receiver. Until we have forgiven at least 490 times in a day, then we can complain.

Until then…keep forgiving!

 #thesunshinethagain!

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