Embrace Forgiveness by Jerome Stewart 
Today we are living in a culture of unforgiveness. When that happens the opportunity for healing will not take place. The power of forgiveness should never be taken for granted. And yes it can be very hard depending on the severity of the offense.
In the book of Matthew chapter 18, Jesus used a parable to address the unforgiving servant against a fellow brother in Christ. Vs. 21 Jesus says; “Then Peter came to Him and said “Lord how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
One could easily infer that there was a belief that seven times was a sufficient number as related to forgiveness, but it wasn’t even close. In vs. 22 Jesus responded saying; “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” That means forgiveness is a continuous action with no set number in place.
Think about where any of us would be if Jesus had the attitude that forgiving one seven times would be the limit with no additional opportunities for leniency? Think about where mankind would be had Jesus chose to leave the cross of Calvary? None of our sins could be forgiven.
Those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior must understand, the importance of Colossians 3 vs. 13 which says; “Bear with each other and forgive one another even if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
There is a high level of anger on display today because of a lack of understanding the power of forgiveness. Lives are being ruined everyday because so many people choose to ignore the word of God which is our roadmap on how to deal with the situational difficulties as related to forgiveness in this present age. Healing takes time and it will never happen unless forgiveness has been granted the offender.
Jesus showed the world the power of forgiveness, because of the love of the Father, and His love for mankind, with a crown of razor sharp thorns upon His head, with spikes impaled in His hands and feet and having been pierced in His side, and He was innocent of all charges against Him. Healing can never take place without forgiveness. So let us learn to forgive. With Jesus we can do it.
