Peter asked Jesus how many times he was expected to forgive – his suggestion was seven. Jesus corrected him with the new math, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven,” Matt. 18:22.
Forgiveness is a choice, just like love is a choice. Neither are easy, but both are necessary to live a fruitful life. Much like reconciling my cheque book, too often I find that just when I thought I’ve completely forgiven someone – there remains yet another layer – another reconciliation needs to be done. Hurt runs deep. It sometimes requires several attempts to get to the bottom line – complete forgiveness.
Again – it’s not easy. The deeper the hurt runs, the more forgiveness is required. It doesn’t always start in a nice place. The first time I realized I was compounded an immense offense against someone I prayed from my heart but through gritted teeth. God understood. It took more than several prayers for God to change my heart, but eventually, I meant what I was praying on every level. Every now and then however, I realize that there is still yet some unforgiveness that remains – a new revelation. I don’t feel guilty. I just apply Christ’s formula – the new math. It’s not always easy to understand, but practice makes perfect.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven,” Luke 6:37.
