The Building Strength of Forgiveness

I have always kind of thought that the cornerstone of love was forgiveness. Why? Because for some reason we all decide to put the Captain Stupid Cap on from time to time and we mess up. We hurt the ones that we love. Really the only way to repair what we have done is out of our hands, it instead is in the hands of those that we hurt. Broken relationships can only be healed with forgiveness. Jesus taught us a simple but potent prayer to pray, and of its lines is, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” That’s a pretty heavy thought. Forgiveness is love and if one appreciates the forgiveness they receive, not only should they dole it out liberally themselves but they should also love those that forgive them even more. Forgiveness can make the circle of love stronger with each passing turn. We are all flawed. None of us are perfect. Even the most pious Christian falls and makes mistakes. What God wants is simple, love. He wants us to love him and to love each other as we love ourselves. We are all beautiful important gifts to this world made out of love and, if we heed, can be made stronger out of forgiveness. If God can forgive all, what is holding us back from forgiving each other?

Matthew 18:21-35

21Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. 23"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; 25and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' 29So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. 31When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; 33and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' 34And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."