What are the limits of forgiving? Should we forgive our enemies, no matter the magnitude of their harm? Do we forgive a friend or family member when they hurt us so badly we do not see a way through the hurt? What about those we don’t know well, yet judge to be sinners? As Jesus advised Peter, we are tasked to forgive “not seven times but seventy-seven times”.
As you may have experienced, both giving forgiveness and asking for forgiveness are hard work. But Jesus knows we can do it, by “mirroring the unlimited mercy of God”.
In today’s sermon, Pastor Eric suggested a four-point description of forgiveness: a humble stance, a way forward, a form of letting go, and coming from the heart. To listen to the parable of forgiveness (Matthew 18: 21-35), and the full sermon, click the link below. And, as you think about the act of forgiveness, this difficult and merciful work of the heart, don’t forget to forgive yourself as well.