How often should I forgive someone who does me wrong?
The Bible has an answer for that. While Jesus’ response to this question is puzzling, it allows me to see the bigger picture.
Forgiveness is not for them, it’s for me.
Matthew 18:21-22 says, “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."
Forgiving someone is not about them, it’s all about me and my relationship with God.
First of all, I am commanded by God to forgive others because He forgave me.
Secondly, when left unchecked, my unforgiving heart has the capacity to distort my decisions, erode my energy, augment my attitude, and diminish my demeanor.
Forgiveness is not for them, it’s for me.
Forgiveness is too precious to be left into the hands of the offender. It must reside with the offended and here are three reasons why: (1) they may not even recognize it; (2) they may never acknowledge it; and (3) they may never ask me for forgiveness.
When it comes to forgiveness, the ball is always in my court. Because forgiveness is not for them, it’s for me.
When I forgive, it releases me from my, pain, hurt, and shame. When I forgive, it frees me from internal turmoil. When I forgive it opens the door for God’s blessings.
Forgiveness is not for them, it’s for me.