Mount Clinton Mennonite Church

"Thought for the Week"
(June 8, 2003)

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Begging Forgiveness

I have heard people make statements like: "I'll never forgive her. What she did to me is beyond imagination." or "I can't forgive him. He just did it again and that is once too often."

Peter comes to Jesus with the question, "How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?" Jesus gives a quick answer and then tells the story found in Matthew 18: 23-34. Jesus is very specific in making his point with this story. That is, any unforgiveness on our part will prevent us from being forgiven by God. That is a strong statement!

All of us at some time in our lives have desired forgiveness from someone. We did something to someone and the only way to continue our relationship was for that person to forgive us. We may have even pleaded with them for forgiveness. How about when the tables are turned? Are we as willing to forgive as we want others to forgive us?

The difference between the two situations is this. Receiving forgiveness frees us from the obligation we owe. Giving forgiveness costs us and lets the offender go free. We prefer to be freed rather than to free. However when we forgive we also free ourselves. We are freed because we no longer need to hold the other person responsible.

Wilmer Lehman

Pastor: Lee Martin (email: mcmchurch@juno.com )
Editor: Richard Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu )