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TOPIC: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS
Jesus had much to say about forgiveness. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained yourbrother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word maybe established’ ” (Matthew 18:15–16).
It is not strange that Jesus would preach about brothers having fights and disagreements. Jesus’ teachings got down to the real nitty-gritty of life.
Peter heard Jesus say that, and he could not get the concept of forgiveness out of his mind. You can tell it was bugging him.
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven’ ” (Matthew 18:21–
22).
Jesus said we are to forgive our brother or sister four hundred and ninety times! In other words, forgiveness is an
attitude; it is a way of life. I remember a fellow who treated me so badly that I felt like giving hima piece of my mind! After he had wronged me, I wrote him a real nasty letter, letting himhave it with both barrels, but once I was finished, I tore it up. I had to forgive him. Jesus gave me no other choice. When we learn to forgive others as God has forgiven us, we will reign in life as kings over every heartache, hurt, and
situation, and we can enjoy the abundance God has provided
for us.
