Former American Press staff writer Sunny Brown Farley writes "Naked Faith," a look at faith in its natural form: lived out in the day-to-day lives of ordinary people.

77

Posted May 4, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Filed Under Faith & Religion | 1 Comment

Matthew 18:21-22 says: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (NIV)

I have been thinking a lot lately about a situation that has me troubled. I feel wronged in the situation. I feel victimized.

I have forgiven the offending party, but then I keep unforgiving them. I think about the situation, get mad, pray and forgive, think about it again and the cycle continues.

I was reminded of this scripture. I used to think Jesus was saying that Peter should forgive 77 sins, 77 times. Now, I wonder if he meant that Peter should forgive just one sin 77 times.

This is what seems to make sense in my life. There are times when I find I must forgive one thing over and over again until I finally have truly forgiven it for good. I haven’t counted to see exactly how many times I have forgiven something, but it must take awhile to get to 77.

God help me to forgive again and again and again and again …

Comments

One Response to “77”

W. Oakley; Jenks, OK on May 7th, 2009 7:05 am

Quit counting and just forgive ad infinitum. The number seven and its multiples signify completion. Forgiveness is an attitude that requires us to release resentments.

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