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Forgiveness is a recurring theme in
the Bible. It strikes at the heart of every human relationship. It is one of
the most difficult precepts in the Bible. Jesus insists on forgiveness as a
fundamental and irreducible virtue. He desires that we forgive our brothers and
sisters as often as they offend us. And
if the same person sins against you seven times a day and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive (Lk
17:4).
To a critical mind, this command is
unrealistic and impracticable. It’s a joke! Imagine a friend coming to ask for
forgiveness for the same offence seven times in a day! If showing mercy seven
times a day is a herculean task, imagine offering forgiveness seventy -seven
times (Matt 18:21-22). By what stretch of imagination can one forgive
seventy-seven times?
How can a finite person show infinite
mercy? How can a human person with all his limitations forgive without limit? If
we find it difficult to forgive even when our offender is willing to apologise,
how much more when the offender is not willing to ask for mercy? If the
offender is not seeking mercy and forgiveness, are we still obliged to forgive?
The answer is YES!
Jesus encourages us to take
forgiveness to those who offend us (Matt 18:15-17). Jesus forgave his
executioners (Lk 23:34). Stephen also forgave his persecutors (Acts 7:60).
Imitating the supreme example of Jesus, we can live our lives in such a way as
not to take offense at every provocation. We can acquire a calm personality in
the face of grave injury. We can form our hearts to keep no malice and our
minds to remember no hurt. We need to understand the human condition
(weakness), anticipate injury and excuse wrongs. For judgement will be
merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement (James
2:13).
