"21Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.…"
But to speak of forgiveness as a command truly does not give it the merit it is due. In first Peter 1:16 we are reminded "for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy (see Leviticus 11:44)." As the Lord is holy and incapable of offense, His forgiveness is the only form of pure and perfect mercy.
If we are a people called to be holy, we must understand that calling. A calling is defined as a strong urge to a particular way of life. The Christian way of life desires the holiness of a righteous God. We are made righteous through Christ (Romans 8:1), and therefore called to a life of forgiveness.
I was recently wounded by a very dear and close friend. The pain seared through my heart. It is an experience I will never forget. I cried out to God. I understood just how David felt in Psalm 13 when he pleaded with the Lord to take away the pain. But the pain was very real. Through my muffled sobs and prayer I heard the voice of God. "Bekah, I love you. I understand the pain you feel all too well. I ask you to take this opportunity to display the forgiveness that you were called to. It is not an act of will, it is an act of the heart. It is an extension of My grace. YOU were called to forgive; and only you can make that choice."
I choose to pursue the calling of God. IT is not the easy choice; but there is freedom in accepting the call.
My Father, you know the pain of my heart. You hear the cries of my Spirit. You alone are God. You alone are good. I want to be holy as You are holy. I want to forgive as you forgive. I PRAISE you for giving me the opportunity to forgive this offense. I consider it an honor to show Your grace. I love you God. Thank you for allowing me to do this. Holy Spirit give me the strength to forgive in Jesus sweet name. ~ Amen
