by Dona Hake
I just read the most heartbreaking story of someone losing their father to medical error. My heart was breaking for this person. They stated the anger in their hurt, and honestly I understand. Yet, I know and understand that the greater truth we possess as believers is that we MUST forgive. When someone hurts or offends us, we can let it go or hold on to it. It is only by the power of God’s love at work within us that we can give someone our forgiveness by releasing them of the offense or hurt they have caused us.
One day the subject of forgiveness came up between the Lord and His disciples and Peter popped a question. I guess in Peter’s mind maybe he was willing to give even more than a second chance but a seventh chance. I am sure Peter was taken back by the Jesus’ answer to his question.
Matthew 18:21-22
The Voice
Peter:” Lord, when someone has sinned against me, how many times ought I
forgive him? Once? Twice? As many as seven times?”
Jesus: “You must forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
Many times we are just like Peter. We want to feel as if we are so full of love, but you see our love has limitations. We all have our limits. God’s love has NO limitations. Today I encourage you to draw upon the love of the God in the midst of your day. Know that God desires you to draw upon His heart that you can freely forgive as many times as you have to. Continue to draw on and grow in God’s love that you may be able to freely give that which He has freely given you.
“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and
within the reach of every hand.”
Mother Teresa
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