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FORGIVE AND FORGET
MONDAY, JUNE 30
Matthew 18:10-35

Psalm 103:8-13

 

“…Until seventy times seven.”

 

FORGIVE AND FORGET
 
Love involves not only having a humble spirit, but also a forgiving one. Here Jesus taught His disciples how to deal kindly with someone who had wronged them. There are four steps to take:
 
1. Go to him privately and tell him his fault. This is a loving act. It seeks to protect his reputation. But if he refuses to listen, then you
 
2. take one or two witnesses the next time to prove to him that he is indeed at fault. Again, this is a loving act of patience, to give the erring brother another chance to think about his sin and repent. If he rejects even this overture, then
 
3. bring the matter to the public attention of the church — the clergy first then the laity. This too is an act of love. Perhaps when confronted by a loving community of believers, this sinning brother would be turned around. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then
 
4. disciplinary measures ought to be taken. He should be excommunicated. Let the church have nothing to do with him. Even this final step is an act of love (Heb 12:6). If he is truly a believer, he would desire to get right with God and with his fellow brother. Restoration comes after repentance (1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 2:6-8).
 
The Lord sometimes uses the church as an instrument of His chastening work. He gives His church the authority to mete out judgment and exercise discipline according to His Word (2 Thess 3:14-15). A judgment meted out on the bases of scriptural principles, sincere prayer, and genuine love receives God’s approval.
 
Peter asked if seven times was enough to forgive someone who has sinned against us. Jesus said no. Not seven times but seventy times seven. Clearly, Jesus did not mean to say that after the 490th time, there should be no more forgiveness. By using two perfect numbers — ten and seven — Jesus was telling Peter that he had to always and completely forgive anyone who had sinned against him. For this is how God has forgiven us. He has forgiven us of our sins past, present, and future. We should also possess God’s forgiving spirit if we truly belong to Him.
 
THOUGHT: God forgives and forgets. So must I.

PRAYER: Father, forgive me as I forgive others.

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