Forgiveness
Jesus made it very clear that in order to follow him, we must forgive those who have wronged us, "not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matt 18:21-35). God expects that if he forgives us our sins, we should extend the same to our fellow human beings as in his parable today of the master who, out of compassion cancelled the debt of his servant. But this servant failed to extend the same mercy to another servant who owed him money.
To err is human, to forgive, divine, as the saying goes. We need to pray for God's grace to help us to forgive everyday, every moment, in every circumstances when someone has hurt us. If we can centre our thoughts on God forgiving us, it is easier then to forgive. In forgiving and also in asking for forgiveness, we will feel a burden being lifted from us, and we are free to go forward in our lives.
We must know that if we do not forgive, that hurt in us will eat into our soul, making us bitter and hateful. If anything, it becomes a roadblock to whatever we want to do. That is why Jesus says we must forgive, not seven times, but seventy seven times! He is teaching us to exercise mercy freely and in doing so, it becomes easier each time.
A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his deeds. A good
deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship,
and he who plants kindness gathers love.
-St Basil-
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