Walk of Life, Day 17 – July 2020 – Thoughts from the Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
While the Lord Jesus Christ was ministering on this earth, he answered many questions which were asked by his disciples. One among those is recorded in Matthew 18:22 where we find Peter asking the Lord Jesus how many times, he has to forgive his brother for the mistake committed by him and further asks is it okay if he forgives for seven times. I do not know what was the intention of Peter in asking that question but placing myself in his shoes I could predict what my intention would be.
We read in Proverbs 17:9 “he that covereth a transgression.” To cover one’s mistake firstly we need to possess a forgiving heart. When you do not forgive a person, you cannot love him thereby you cannot cover his mistake.
In Matthew 18:22 we see Peter as our representative who is asking Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of us regarding the myth that most of us have. It is difficult to forgive the same person again and again for his mistakes especially when that person is wrong and you are right. You tend to lose your temper and make things worse for you as well as for him. Whenever you see that person or you hear of him, the first thing that comes to your mind is the sin that he has committed.
As Peter says “is it enough if I forgive him for seven times?” even we set a limit and call it as our level of tolerance. If any one crosses that limit we term that person as useless and hopeless.
The reply from Lord Jesus Christ leaves us in awe because he changed the seven times to infinite times (70*7 is considered as infinity).
How can we forgive?
First, realize that everyone commits mistakes in their lives. Your mistake might seem little to you but bigger to others. No one can bravely say that they are never going to commit any mistake. It does not matter how many times you fall, if you repent truly then God will surely lift you up. He has not set any limit for His forgiveness. If you follow the Lord Jesus, then you as his follower should be like him.
(Read Psalms 37:24, Hebrews 8:12)
Second, it is quite difficult for us to forgive until and unless we obtain God’s grace. When you seek the Lord Jesus Christ, you find love (1 John 4:8) he will fill you with his love and will teach you to forgive.
What do we need to do once we forgive a person?
You need not do anything because once you forgive, the love which is in you will help you to cover or overlook a person’s mistake.
Whenever you find someone going in a wrong way you need not publish that news to everyone. All you need to do is explain to that person when only both of you are present.
Nursing grievances and brooding over the past will make it difficult for you to lead a peaceful life. Learn to leave the past and strive to mend the present with the help of God.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Where would I be today if you had set a limit for your forgiveness? Thank You Lord for being ever merciful towards me and for upholding me with your hands. You have not only forgiven my sins but have also assured me that you will remember them no more. Being your child help me to be as forgiving as you. Help me to love the people who err. Let me not trouble them by reminding them of their sins again and again. Give me a forgiving heart and a good heart to overlook other’s mistakes. In the precious name of my Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
