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Without the selfless act of forgiveness, no relationship can long survive. Because we are fallen people we are destined to “sin” against those we love, and, in turn, they are destined to “sin” against us. Sometimes we sin hastily in a moment of anger. Sometimes we sin thoughtlessly, never considering the consequences. Sometimes we sin selfishly, deliberately, because we are thinking only of ourselves. And, rarely, we sin cruelly, premeditatedly. The tragic truth is, sin is a part of our relationships and, therefore, so must be forgiveness.
“At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, ‘Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?’ Jesus replied, ‘Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.’”
— Matthew 18:21-22 (MSG)
Lord, help us to forgive those who hurt us no matter how many times they do it. Amen.