Matthew 18:21-22, “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
Why are many people merely managing their lives when they could be maximizing? Limping through it, when they could be leaping? Surviving when they could be thriving? It is often simply symptomatic of a life that has become accustomed to, and even adjusted to, unforgiveness. Yes, many harbour the very thing that is hurting them, holding onto something that is holding them down, seeking the antidote to the very poison that they are injecting themselves with.
Tell me why would anyone who had the opportunity to be liberated voluntarily choose to be incarcerated by unforgiveness – an unfaithful friend? People of God, do not be deceived; unforgiveness is not your friend! It is an enemy who pretends to be your friend by placing you at the centre of attention but while you’re busy licking your wounds, it’s busy stabbing you in the back – stealing your time, robbing your joy, polluting your peace, stoking division, reliving past pain. It may temporarily satisfy your desire for attention, but it will not solve your problem.
You may think you can bury it, hide it or mask it by keeping occupied with the daily responsibilities of life. But the reality is that you cannot truly move on without truly letting go – because what you hold onto is holding onto you.
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 18:21-35 that He does not offer the option of limited forgiveness. The good news is that He is ready to help you. The strength to forgive comes from surrender to the Author of forgiveness who offered the most merciful petition of all, ‘Father, forgive them!’
Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes to see the areas you need to change. In Jesus’ name, amen.