jesus teaches more on forgiveness
“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” —Matthew 18:21, RSV-CE
Today, Jesus teaches us many things about forgiveness:
1) Forgiveness pertains only to sins. We forgive sins; we overlook faults, shortcomings, and weaknesses (Sir 28:7; Prv 19:11).
2) By God’s grace, we must forgive 70 x 7, that is, indefinitely (Mt 18:22).
3) God’s kingdom is “like” forgiveness (Mt 18:23). Forgiving is essential in God’s plan.
4) The debt of our sins is very great (see Mt 18:24). God’s forgiving us of this debt should lead us to forgive others (Mt 18:33).
5) When we are not forgiving, we make our lives slavery, a prison, and torture (Mt 18:25, 30, 34).
6) Forgiveness can be feigned. Fake forgiveness is expressed only in externals. We must forgive from our hearts (Mt 18:35).
Right now, by the Lord’s grace, make the decision to forgive everyone for every sin committed against you. Forgive by God’s standards.
Prayer: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34).
Promise: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord, your God.” —Jos 3:9
Praise: Melissa and her father reconciled after being estranged for several decades. She forgave him for his abusive outbursts of anger and violence, and he apologized for his hurtful actions.
Reference: (For a related teaching, view, download or order our booklet The Book on Forgiveness, on our website.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023
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