Forgiveness

Then Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:21-35 

In most Indigenous cultures we talk about doing everything for the sake of the seventh generation yet unborn. Thank includes who we forgive or hold grudges against. We can poison our children with hate our we can infect them with love and forgiveness. Hate and anger are normal responses to slights, hurts and violence. And yet, we all grow stronger and closer to God when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness in from the heart of our Creator.

Wondrous God, who loved us first

you forgive our missteps and mistakes

you delight in our kindnesses and gifts

and call us to share blessings with all.

Help us to follow you by forgiving

seventy seven times, again and again

so we may draw close to your heart

and bring your love and peace here today. Amen.