You Must Forgive

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community

Luke 17:1-6 (The Message)

A Kernel of Faith

 ^1-2He said to his disciples, "Hard trials and temptations are bound to come, but too bad for whoever brings them on! Better to wear a millstone necklace and take a swim in the deep blue sea than give even one of these dear little ones a hard time!  ^3-4"Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it's personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, 'I'm sorry, I won't do it again,' forgive him."
 ⁵The apostles came up and said to the Master, "Give us more faith."
 ⁶But the Master said, "You don't need more faith. There is no 'more' or 'less' in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it would do it.

For Reflection


Verse 3 and 4 is advice that hits the core of our faith.  It really doesn't matter what kind of response is given.  The most important thing is that the person whom you have forgiven knows that you have forgiven him. Our Father has the capacity for infinite forgiveness.  Surely, we can forgive as well.  Think about the times you have been wronged.  How did you feel?  What was your first reaction?  How long did it take you to forgive?  What difference did that act of forgiveness make to you and to the person who wronged you?  Did you expect a return on your forgiveness?  Then, have you really forgiven?  Can we place conditions on forgiveness and still reflect the forgiving acts of God?

Pray that you forgive unconditionally.