Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

Then 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.”

I have been so bitter and unforgiving towards the people I am supposed to love the most. Bitterness and harbored hatred only eat up any positive regard and they don’t solve problems. Tonight I spoke with a friend in the car where I detailed exactly why I refuse to truly communicate with my sister and why I haven’t forgiven her for all the times she has she has hurt me or my other family members. And I actually tried to justify it, as if I had any right to hold a grudge when Jesus clearly states that I am called to forgive over and over, without ceasing. I believe he says this because it frees both people, one from regret and the other from bitterness. And the beauty of forgiveness is that either person can do it without needing the other to complete the equation. I can forgive because Christ enables me to, not because I hear an “I’m sorry.” Waiting for one of those is useless and disappointing. Sometimes that apology doesn’t come. The person never realizes the hurt and anger they have caused. Sometimes that apology isn’t enough to repair the damage, because what we really want is for that person to go back in time and fix it… And they can’t. The only person that can truly set us free is Jesus. Remembering that is KEY to a joyful and merciful heart. Without it, the problems and pains from our past will fester like wounds whose stitches could not completely close the gap and heal.

  1. seashellsandpearls posted this