In this parable of the unforgiving servant, we are clearly told that we must forgive others when they sin against us.
The number seven is the number of completion, so 77 times means there is no limit to the number of times we must forgive.
When we hold unforgiveness towards another person it doesn’t hurt the other person, it hurts us.
Holding unforgiveness is like drinking poison, wishing the other person is dead.
Holding on to unforgiveness ultimately leads to bitterness, harms our relationship with God, and can cause both physical and mental illness.
Unforgiveness keeps the other person in bondage to us.
When we forgive a person, that breaks the bondage and allows God to bring justice in the situation.
Be intentional this week and write a list of all the people that have hurt and wronged you.
Then find a close friend you trust and read the list to that person and share your hurts, especially if your heart is wounded.
There is such power in confession.
Then, finally, choose to forgive everyone on the list.
Don’t forget to forgive yourself for holding onto unforgiveness and for any wrongs you may have committed.
When we confess our sins, God is faithful and removes them from us as far as the east is from the west.
When we release people to God by forgiving them, our hearts are set free to enjoy the abundant life God has given to us.
~ Contributed by J Robertson.
