Keep forgiving

Peter once asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother.  He suggested seven times, since that seemed fairly generous according to Jewish law, which only required three times.  But Jesus said seven times was not nearly enough.  The Master put forth seventy times seven as a more appropriate number. (Matt 18:21,22)

Was Jesus meaning that we stop forgiving when we reach the magic number of 490?  Not likely.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5 – 7) is filled with his teachings that correlate, such as removing first the beam from our own eye before we even comment on the beam in our brother’s eye.  Wouldn’t that compel us to be more forgiving?

And what about leaving our gift on the alter while we explore with our brother what he has against us.  Doesn’t it seem like forgiveness in both directions might be the outcome?

Jesus’ example of forgiveness was astounding.  He introduced the concept of reciprocal forgiveness into the Lord’s prayer, which Mary Baker Eddy interprets spiritually to mean “and Love is reflected in love.” (See Science and Health p. 17)  And there is a profound story in Luke (7:36 to 50) about deep forgiveness going hand in hand with deep humility and affection.

But the ultimate teaching on forgiveness came when Jesus was on the cross. Speaking to his dear Father he said, “forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24)

How can we imagine our own hurts and annoyances are greater than what he experienced?  He said, “…the works that I do shall you do also; and greater works than these shall you do…” (John 14:12)

That includes forgiving 490 times.

And forgetting that many times too.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.

7000 Reasons

Elijah was suicidal.  He’d just had a big showdown with a group that opposed the God of Israel.  Even though he’d been the victor in that event, he felt tired, overwhelmed, and alone.  Especially alone.  He saw no reason to go on living if he was the only one who believed in God.

But that very God of Israel had other plans.  He did several wonderful things to get Elijah’s attention.  But none of them worked until God said, “You are not the only one.  There are 7000 more just like you, who are totally devoted to Me.”  (see 1 Kings chapters 18 and 19)  Elijah was roused from his fear and went on to do more great things to honor the God who had saved him.

How often do we feel like we’re the only one; that we’re alone in accomplishing some great thing – or even a small thing: that everyone else has abandoned us – or the ideals we used to share?

The same God that delivered Elijah from his despondence, that saved Moses from the Egyptians, that resurrected Jesus from the tomb, that promised a Comforter: that same God of love and goodness will give you as many reasons as you need – even 7000 – to keep going.

The fact is, it’s always better than circumstances would seem to suggest.  Our own small viewpoint sees barely to the horizon of our limited experience. God – our dear heavenly Father – has the big picture, along with infinite resources with which to bless mankind, at His command.  There is nothing too hard for God (Jer. 32: 17).  So not only can He bring to bear all of the help that you need right where you are, He can also make you aware of it.  You need not fear that you will miss God’s great provision.

Jesus proved the abundance of God’s fullness of supply by feeding the multitude, healing the sick, and raising the dead.  Even when it seemed that those options were not only not available, but not even possible.  Yet he reassured his followers that “with God all things are possible.”  (Matt. 19: 26)

That same reassurance is here for you too, as many times as you need to be reminded – tenderly and persistently – that you are not alone, you are valuable, you have what you need.

And it’s enough.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.