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"Seven Times In One Day" 4/22/01 Past/Future Articles |
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"Seven Times In One Day" 4/22/01 Past/Future Articles |
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Nothing is more challenging for the Christian than to practice the virtue of forgiveness. Many, upon discussing this subject, will readily admit that it is the most difficult command to obey. The commands to forgive are not arbitrary, as some seem to think, and as others are demonstrating by their actions and attitudes. Jesus made it clear that forgiveness is perpetual in nature. He said unto Peter, upon being asked how often one should forgive, ". . . I say not unto thee, until seven times: but until seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:12, 22).
Forgiveness! What a challenge. While we properly understand that Jesus is not teaching a literal 490 times in forgiveness, we do, however, face the danger of practicing it on a too general, or too broad, basis. Jesus narrows it down for us to a daily basis. He said, "Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again unto thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." (Luke 17:3, 4).
Yes, you read it right; He said seven times in one day. Many think they have fulfilled their responsibility if they forgive a person one time, not in which is what Jesus is teaching, would correct many of the problems in the home, in the church, in personal relations, etc. In the final analysis, we have no choice in the matter, if we want to be pleasing to God. Jesus said, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:15). This includes "seven" times in one day. Are you practicing it? God is!! j.j. turner
Bobby Craig, Elder