Readings:
Daniel 3:25,34-43
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 18:21-35
Have you ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt or offended you? The struggle is often with forgetting the hurt more than forgiving the offender. Even after claiming to forgive, the injury is renewed every time we remember what they did and how they betrayed our trust. Our memories plague us because we feel that justice has not been served. We feel that the one who has hurt us should suffer—they do not deserve to be happy. You may not like this but “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19-21).
We are not very patient creatures. We can go overboard when displaying anger over someone’s wrongdoing. Peter thought he was being generous to offer his brother seven chances after which he will strike with lightning and thunder. Jesus shows him that keeping a count of wrongs will only preoccupy your mind with hurt. Remember, instead, how often you have been forgiven by God and show the same mercy to others—this is the meaning of forgiving “seventy-seven times”. Las, las God will deal with those who have no desire to forgive others. God has forgiven us worse things like the servant who owed ten thousand talents. He writes off the debts of our “sins of youth” every time we come to confession over habitual sins. If we are unwilling to let go of the common hundred naira (the smaller offences of others), where is the justice in that? By forgiving others their sins, we gain a vantage position to ask for God’s mercy and find peace.
Today’s prayerful affirmations:
I am loved by God.
My sins are forgiven, and I am free.
I am not a slave to the wickedness of others.
I shall forgive to heal.
I shall approach the sacraments every time I fall.
Nothing can separate me from the love and mercy of God.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness . Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
May God, in His infinite goodness, grant me pardon for my sins, heal every hurt and fill me with peace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dear Lord, heal my memory of past hurts, give me the courage and grace to forgive those who have hurt me and the grace to seek Your forgiveness and blessings through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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