And if he wrongs you seven times in one day
and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,'
you should forgive him."
And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,'
you should forgive him."
And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
The disciples' plea for more faith seems to be a direct response to Jesus's insistence that they should forgive seven offenses in a single day. That's a rather breath-taking command. It's almost ludicrous.
"I mean it!" he might have added to their skeptical laughter as he laughed with them.
Is that even possible? Of course it is, as he will demonstrate on the last day of his life.
And are we capable of such persistent kindness? Christian martyrs of every age have shown it. As well as patient parents of foolish children and merciful caregivers of afflicted adults.
Like anything else, it takes practice. The young couple approaching the altar can hardly imagine the trials they will face as the reality of their commitment-unto-death sinks in. They will learn to forgive repeatedly even as they learn to repent of the same foolish sins, behaviors, and attitudes repeatedly. The laughter, if it comes, will come later.
Parents and caregivers will also learn that screaming and shouting only make matters worse. Helpless adults cannot relearn what their dementia has taken. And frightened children learn too much from models who lose control of their anger; they suppose that threats, abusive language, and physical violence are adult behavior and morally acceptable.
We will fail repeatedly as we learn this new skill, but we learn to be patient with our own impatience as we apologize repeatedly. Confident that we are forgiven by the Lord and by our loved ones -- that's where faith comes in -- we forgive ourselves. It's over; it's forgotten; let's learn from it and move on. Getting emotional about repeated failure only aggravates its effects.
Take a deep breath; let it go. Believe in the Lord who forgives us repeatedly, seven times a day, and every day.
Though the just fall seven times, they rise again. Proverbs 24:16
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.