Forgiveness

Peter said to our Lord, “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him, until seven times?” (Matt. 18:21.22.)1 What warrant had Peter for saying, “How oft?” Had he been standing at the foot of Mount Sinai, he might have said, “How oft?” Standing in the covenant of grace, we say, “Seventy times seven.”

If we be called to judge offending brethren, we should judge before the Mercy-seat. There we are self-judged, as oft offending and oft forgiven.

Those injuries are often hardest to forgive which are only known to the injured and the wrong-doer.

If others act with want of uprightness towards us, and we are irritated, it is a proof that we are then dealing rather with the creature than with God.

Those are the best fitted for the work of reproof, who are severe against themselves, but gentle towards others; whilst such as are forward to reprove most need reproof themselves.

Fußnoten

  1. Matthew 18: 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.↩︎