The Word - May 3, 2012 - SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me, seven times?' 'No, not seven times, Jesus replied, but seventy times seven" Matthew 18:21,22."Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercies, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Make allowance for each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so must you forgive others" (Colossians 3:12-13).

Jesus told Peter that there was to be no end to how often he forage a person that sinned against him. He was not only to forgive, but also to forget. Are you now, or have you been in the past, a relationship where trust degenerated into anger over being betrayed? Jesus reminds us that in order for our sins to be forgiven, we must also forgive. To do less is to go on in life without that intimacy with our heavenly Father so necessary in order to experience His promise of peace and joy.

In Colossians, Paul gives us advice in three parts to help deal with the bitterness and hardness of heart that results from such incidents. First, we need to bear with one another in love. This provides a basis for trying to rebuild bridges instead of burning them down. Secondly, we are to forgive, regardless of any admission of guilt from the other party involved. Third, we are to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Restoring the right attitude is our responsibility. Don't let the habit of trying to justify resentment take hold of your life. Begin a new course of action that will result in being released from the grip of a bitter spirit.