In scriptures, we learn about Peter and his question to Jesus about how many times he was supposed to forgive his brother. We saw from scripture what Peter thought was ideal and what Christ told him was the ideal.
And with this, we were able to conclude that it is not enough to say you have forgiven seven times and that you may still have to forgive 483 times more because the ideal Jesus gave was seventy times seven. Hallelujah. Let's consider the passage of scripture below as we continue in the study.
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. [16] But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican". (Matthew 18:15-17).
You may think you have tried your best just because you have taken a step or two. You may think you have gotten to the point where you no longer can tolerate certain things just because you thought you have tried enough.
It is important to note as believers that there are certain ideals the Lord himself has set for us. We have considered the first one which is to wait 490 times each day for a brother to offend you before saying you are tired of forgiving. Else, you should just keep doing it. It is our responsibility as believers and children of God to forgive and this is because God who is our Father is forgiving in nature. The second is what today's text captures.
We are not to say we are tired of seeking peace with people. If someone offends us, we should tell him his fault alone and if he hears, we have the person back to us. Does that mean we should give up if he doesn't? No, not at all. We will take two or three more people to speak with him.
What if he doesn't agree still? We should tell the Church. It is only after we have done this that we are to stop. Why? Because if he would not agree with any of these three, then he is more likely to be considered a publican and an unbeliever. One who is truly saved will not find it difficult to let go of a fault as helped by the grace of God. Will you say then that you have tried enough? Didn't you give up on the first attempt? How many times did you try before giving up? You have not tried enough. Let this word comfort your heart today. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Even if the one with whom we strive to fix a broken relationship seems not to listen at first and is a believer, we should not give up but seek more to reach out to him, trusting the Lord to touch his heart.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, inquiries/testimonies, please call or WhatsApp: 09168301042 or Email: [email protected].
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