70*7 TIMES

70×7 TIMES

In my walk as a Christian and as a man of God, I’ve realized that one thing I always find myself doing is to forgive. As it may look, the work of God is not an easy task to do. There’s more to it than meets the eye. Most people assume that immediately you receive salvation and proclaim the love of God, then you are good to go. However, there is much work to be done. A whole lot of forgiving has to be done in this journey, because, people would definitely offend you. In fact, the ones you cherish the most and least expect to hurt you would be those who would frequently offend you and there is nothing you can do about it, than to forgive them.

Indeed, I have  had countless experiences when it comes to offenses and forgiveness. Dealing with offenses is a very hurtful situation however, my comfort continues to lie in the parable of the Unforgiving servant (Matthew 18: 21- 35). I have come to understand that we are all not perfect. Anyone could offend me and vice versa. However, what is the threshold for retaliation and holding a grudge?     

“…Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven..”(Matthew 18:22)

The Bible emphatically states that irrespective of the offense rendered, we need to forgive ‘seventy times seven times’. This is not to say we are to mark a register on the number of times we need to forgive, and when to retaliate. Rather, we are admonished to practice boundless forgiveness. Our father in Heaven understands how fallible we are, and knows that as long as we continue to be on earth, we would surely offend each other. This is why we are expected to forgive those who offend us, just as He does with us (Matthew 6:14 ). Therefore, in order to secure our own forgiveness, we need to humble ourselves and forgive others.

Having an unforgiving attitude can be likened to carrying a heavy bag, while expecting to win a race. You will obviously be frustrated along the line, and would not be able to succeed, till you drop the weight. Unforgiveness comes along with bondages, unnecessary heartaches, bitterness and joylessness. Therefore, in order to be peaceful, we are entreated to forgive as Christ did; with no conditions.