Title: Infinite Forgiveness Matthew 18:22
Description One day, Peter asked Jesus a question. “If my brother sins against me, how many times shall I forgive him?” And right away he provided a model answer. “Haori up to seven?” However, Jesus' response is far too far from Peter's expectations. Jesus said, “Forgive not only seven times, but seven times up to seventy times.” Jesus' answer was not to set the limit of forgiveness on an exact number, but to say that it was infinite. Through this kind of forgiveness, we are saved and become children of God.
Forgiveness is covering up the sins or transgressions of those who have hurt you. Forgiveness moves us away from painful moments in the past, breaking the chains of revenge. And it provides the power of love for both the perpetrator and the victim to start new encounters and create new relationships. Forgiveness also provides an opportunity for reconciliation. In other words, it is not an opportunity to die together, but an opportunity to live together. Forgiveness is a “miracle of the will” that removes obstacles that stood in the way of harmony and creates a new relationship by uniting two alienated people.
Forgiveness has three processes. First, forgive yourself. I must forgive myself for the pain, guilt, and remorse that do not leave my heart, relying on the blood of Jesus on the cross. Second, I forgive those who have hurt me. We must no longer hold onto his faults, but let them go. Third, misunderstandings about God must be resolved. Usually, those who blame their fate blame God for their fate and blame it. Therefore, to get out of this mind, we must wash away our misunderstandings about God. When all of this forgiveness is fulfilled, true freedom comes within us.
Forgiveness is the way to meet the Lord. When the Jews tried to stone Stephen to death, Stephen knelt down and prayed in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Through this, Stephen was able to meet the Lord of forgiveness.
Also, through forgiveness, Stephen not only saved his soul, but also a young man named Saul who was beside him. Saul was moved when he saw Stephen praying for forgiveness for the enemies who were trying to kill him. ‘How can one die while forgiving the enemy who kills them? How could he have such a peaceful face in death?’ After this incident, Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
No one in this world can force you to forgive. Only free humans can choose forgiveness. After a while, you will be amazed at how freeing you are when you forgive someone. Neither wealth nor authority can force forgiveness. Forgive with your own free will. In doing so, we move towards greater freedom. Forgiveness is a grace and flow of love that shows that I am a child of God. I bless you to become a saint who enjoys blessings by choosing forgiveness.