How many times? How many times do you have to forgive that person who has wronged you? 1? 2? 3? 7? 20? Jesus said, "Not 7 times, but 70 times 7 times." For you math whiz kids, that's 490 ( I think). I guess I better get out my notebook to make sure I count every instance of forgiveness because when it gets to 491, I'm through. Is that what Jesus really meant? Of course not...but what did He mean?
I think Jesus meant we are not to count how many times we forgive at all. Forgiveness must become our lifestyle, not something we do once in a while. Do you know why we must not count the faults of others? The answer is this...because God does not count our own.
Let's stop here and ask...what does forgiveness means? Does forgiving someone mean forgetting the wrong? Does forgiveness mean freedom from consequences? Does forgiveness mean reconciliation?
These questions are the foundation of my sermon on Sunday...The text is Matthew 18:21-35--"The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant."
I challenge you to bring your Bible and an open mind as we discuss this difficult passage.
And if anyone is brave, I ask you to answer some of those questions above...or better yet, I ask you to write down the name of the person that you need to forgive in your past...or better yet, I challenge you to go to that person today, and do what needs to be done.
Come Sunday, because we are better when you are here.
In His Name,
Josh
Sports Scores
1. GA Tech vs. GA Southern...I'm going with TE...No I'm not...GA Southern in a stunning upset.
2. UGA vs. South Carolina...UGA wins, but closer than the experts think.
3. Tennessee vs. Oklahoma...really? OK wins big
4. UCLA vs. Texas--UCLA, not close
5. Air Force vs. GA State--AF wins big
6. Texas Tech vs. Arkansas--In a game that might split the Green household...Texas Tech