Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: emery@tc.fluke.COM (John Emery) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: The love of God, #2 Message-ID: Date: 23 Jun 91 01:20:06 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA Lines: 29 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" (Matthew 18:21) With this illustration, we see that love is always willing to go the extra mile. It is driven to extend forgiveness even when the pain from a wound inflicted by another is present. It seeks to bear the pain just one more time. It always wants to persevere. Forgiveness is the healing salve that sooths the pain of a hurt spirit. One myth about forgiveness is "if I forgive that person, I am denying what they did to me. How can I just ignore it?" However, forgiveness is not denying the wrong that another has done unto you, it is acknowledging that wrong and then deciding to release that person from one's intention to retaliate and retain bitterness until justice is done. Forgiveness is also demonstrated by a loving God who offered eternal forgiveness to all who will receive it, through His Son Jesus. Take time today to remember those who have wronged you. Set yourself free from the chains of bitterness by the choice to forgive. With love, John Emery emery@tc.fluke.COM