March 14, 2023

 

One thing I know is that there is nobody that does not love to be respected. There are things we put limits to or set boundaries and guard jealously with any trespasser having a share of our anger when breaking the rules; some go way too far to be mean in reacting.

To err is human was Jesus’ message to his disciples in Matthew 18:15a, brothers shall trespass against thee though used with the conditional word ‘if’. In the actual sense, brothers and sisters do offend themselves. Jesus gave his disciples ways conflicts should be resolved among them and how they can agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by God in heaven (Matthew 18:19).

Who could have thought that after listening to such great teaching, Peter still had unresolved matters in his heart?  The word ‘then’ in verse 21 struck me deeply. How often do we either read the word of God or listen to sermons that we “then” get to the point of asking Jesus questions? As we gather to read from the blog this lenten season, true reflection is to come to Jesus just as we are and pour our minds on him.

How many times may my brother sin against me, and I forgive him and let it go? (amp).  The issue in Peter’s heart is letting go. We cannot rule out offenses against humans but how do we let go? Jesus replies to Peter in verse 22, “I tell you, not up to seven, but seventy times seven!” The implication of this is never to think of forgiving, it should be in us to forgive. To forgive is divine. We have the nature of God in us through Jesus Christ therefore forgiving is our DNA.

From the parable of the unmerciful servant, the intent of his heart was made known. How much did he owe his master compared to what his fellow servant owed him? His debt was canceled the same way we received forgiveness through Jesus Christ, but do we reciprocate the same gestures to those who offend us?

Regardless of what the nation of Israel did to God, a stiff-necked people who did not obey God but walked in the counsels and imagination of their evil hearts (Jeremiah 7:23-24), God still forgave let go of their shortcomings and brought the redemption of the world through them.

As God’s children, unforgiveness is a black spot to progress in life. I beseech us by the mercies of God to find a place in our hearts to let go of past hurts. When we do so we get healed and start seeing things through the lens of love.

As we journey on in this penitential season, may God continue to guide us in his truth and faithfulness, teach and shower us with his tender mercy as we learn daily to forgive and let go through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- Rev. Olufemi Ogundimu