Repeat Forgiveness

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." - Matthew 18:21,22

I believe that Jesus was not only referring to the number of times an individual offends us but also to the number of times we allow ourselves to be offended over and over again by the same offense.

Most of the time forgiveness comes easy for me. I tend to be a very forgiving person. There were a couple times, however, when I was hurt deeply by people who were not only supposed to be my friends, but we attended church together and worked together. In this case, I was only offended once but relived it over and over in my mind. For years, even after praying about the situation and turning it over to God, I would find the same feelings of resentment and hurt rising up whenever one of the people involved in the situation was mentioned.

In my heart, I had forgiven them. When I would remember them, I would remember the good times that we had enjoyed together in the Lord. But when someone else would mention them the resentment would return. I felt the enemy trying to convince me that I had never really forgiven them and that my resentment was a sign of defeat in this area.

Victory over these attacks from the enemy came when I remembered Jesus' commandment to pray for our enemies and for those who wrongfully accuse us.  Now whenever Satan wants to torment me with memories of past hurts I thank him. I thank him for a reminder to pray for God to work in their lives and to use them for His glory.

My Father, you are in heaven. Your name is holy and your ways are righteous. Father, I pray that your will would be done in the life of this person. You created him/her in your image and you have a plan for his/her life. Whatever needs he/she has, Lord, I ask you to provide them. Father, if they have sinned against you, forgive them. If I have sinned against them forgive me. Father, as they walk through this day I ask that they not be led into temptation but that you would deliver them from all evil. To you may all glory and honor and praise be given. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN.