By Max Lucado
“Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Matthew 18:21 The Message
The Jewish law stipulated that the wounded forgive three times. Peter is willing to double that and throw in one more for good measure. No doubt he thinks Jesus will be impressed. Jesus isn’t. The Master’s answer still stuns us. “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy time seven.” (Matthew 18:22 The Message).
If you’re pausing to multiply seventy times seven, you’re missing the point. Keeping tabs on your mercy, Jesus is saying, is not being merciful.
2 comments:
Oops, well there you go. I was multiplying even as I was reading. Mercy is surely not one of my spiritual gifts, so this is something I need to be constantly reminded of.
tba
Ditto, I was doing the math as well. However I am always floored by the grace and mercy we should show.
cas
Post a Comment