Forgve and forget

Matthew 18:21-35

           When I was  young man I had a pendant that had inscribed on it, "70 x 7".  That is referenced in today's passage. With even little knowledge about numerology or Biblical numerology , we can see that we are called to forgive more than just once or twice. For some people once might be a challenge and twice would be cause to drag out the expression "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice shame on me".  In contrast to God, we don't seem too enamored with the ideal of forgiving over and over. It's rather ironic don't you think, when we consider how many times we ourselves make mistakes, errors in judgement or almost outright turn away from God? But God forgives us over and over and over. Jesus died that miserable, horrible death for that very reason. We are forgiven. You'd think we might 'get it'.

          Just yesterday my husband and I were discussing somone that I feel wronged me. I never said I 'hate' that person as if the degree of things really matters. I think 'hate' should be banned but I have no problem simply disliking someone, hypocrite that I am. Anyway, my incredibly wise husband asked me if I thought I could find it in my heart to forgive whatever alleged transgression I may feel was perpetuated on me by this person and move on.  It has me at quite a vulnerable time right now as you might guess but I knew that the forgiving had to be real and complete. That is, not the kind that says "I forgive, but I never forget". That's really not forgiveness.

          The last line of today's passage really drives this point home. Not only are we called to forgive 70 times 7 times ( that is basically, infinitely ), we are called to forgive "from your heart". Forgive completely and without reservation. Forgive completely and letting yourself be set up to be hurt again. Jesus put it another way as well. 'If a man slaps you on one cheek, offer him the other cheek as well'. This is an immensely difficult concept or mandate.

         In a time when we seem to be able to justify every reason to dislike, hate or demand (human) justice, how do we justify our own behavior?  Why do we have the arrogant expectation of total forgiveness from God and are stingy as hell with others?

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church^* sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him;and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt.So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’