Jewells of Thought

What does this word mean? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says, “the act of forgiving.”

In the Bible I know there is scripture talking about 70 times 7. It is in Matthew 18:21-22. Those words came to mind once again after this afternoon. All throughout time God has dealt with His people who cannot forgive and forget trespasses against each other and simply live in peace.

Maybe I am too in the middle of this predicament and yet I don’t hardly think I am being biased. There is a time when things happen between two people whether words or being accosted that enough time has come and gone that forgiveness should be sought out. Instead in this particular circumstance a freeze out has happened of once church family friends now are looked at as despised because of an issue more than 3 years ago.

The whole text of that scripture in Matthew is here.

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

There were bruises left with both people one emotional, but the other one had physical bruises due to a very real altercation. No one seems to know the facts other than the fall happened. Who did it? It was made to look like a mystery even though the church does in fact have a Livestream mount and other cameras that could have possibly recorded the incident. However, no one else seemed interested in knowing the truth.

Another layer in this incident is that one person was dealing with a mental problem. The other one who knows! Although a comment had been made during this vulnerable state no physical altercation had been made until the other seemed to be in the right place and right time. To dig a little deeper into the possible reason for the altercation the words struck a chord. One that had not healed or that was left to be reconciled in God’s Hands alone.

This situation irks me, because I have learned that God has reasons for everything in our lives. I have only just found my Mr. Right in the past few years. We are at the same age in life, but God put us in the path that would take us to this specific journey for us. Maybe that means kids later in life with IVF or Adoption. God could still surprise us we don’t know the future. There are so many ways for us to use our parenting skills with fostering or Church programs with kids. Just because we may not be able to conceive does not mean there is absolutely no hope or no purpose for us as a couple. Only God knows what incredible adventures are in store for us in the future. Stewing about past hurts stops what God can do in our lives for His glory.

Freezing people out of your life for a time that was difficult is really sad. Where is the empathy for others? Why did those words hurt so much if God is in your heart guiding you? God doesn’t want His people to choose pain over love when it costs friendships as in plural. One person choosing to not forgive and forget brings heartbreak to more than just the original two people.

It’s instances like these that gave Saturday Night Live the ‘Church’ Lady’ real material back in her heyday. We shouldn’t be giving fodder to the comedians who already dislike what we stand for as Christians. All I know about SNL is from college one of my professors had us watch some of it in a specific history class titled ‘The 90’s’ I believe. Dr. Cutchin made history fun; I still miss her and that French accent of hers.

Who do you need to Forgive! What dissonant chord in your life is not jiving with God’s will? Do you feel the discontent of this unforgiveness or needing to talk to God!