How Many Times Are We to Forgive?

So you are tired of forgiving someone?  What you are actually saying is that you don't feel like forgiving...no...not today! 

Our best example of forgiveness is Jesus of course...when he was on the cross.  He said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do"  Here He was about to take His last breath, and His concern was not for Himself, but for those that hat spit on Him and whipped Him with a cat of nine tails.  Do you suppose He "felt" like forgiving?  That is amazing to me...He had been put through something that most people would have buckled under, but His thought was for others and their forgiveness.

Let's back up a ways to when Peter was questioning Jesus about this topic.  He asked Jesus how many times should they forgive someone.  He was thinking it was about seven times...he was wrong...Jesus said to forgive seventy times seven.  Did this mean we are to keep a count and when some gets to that number, then that is it...no more forgiveness for you!  No...Jesus was just trying to make a point that forgiveness is limitless.  You have to be willing to forgive others as many times as they ask for it.  It doesn't mean you will trust them each time, it just means that you are being obedient.  As you offer forgiveness, it has a way of making you feel differently.  You start having an understanding that feelings is not why you forgive someone...it is because that is what we are commanded to do.  And the kicker?  After Jesus had told a parable to them He added something that I think is often overlooked..."forgive your brother and sister from the heart". 

Forgive people...you don't have a choice!

Thanks,
Paula

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