The Lord is kind and merciful; slow to anger and rich in compassion (Psalm 103).

Matthew’s Gospel continues Jesus’ discourse on forgiveness and sets the stage for the reality of the kingdom of heaven. In the kingdom, the relationship among the people of God is sealed with love and the tireless ability to forgive others infinite numbers of times. For the disciples of Jesus’ time, this was the model of the new community - the Church and it continues to be a model today – our model - for Christians living in a broken world.

Healthy homes, schools, roadways, and our nation have one thing in common—each environment relies heavily on people to contribute what is necessary to maintain peace and harmony with each other. Unified communities are strengthened by healthy relationships that foster the spiritual well-being of all.

Towards that end, the most effective remedy for discord and broken relationships among us is forgiveness. The Greek word for forgiveness, aphiemi means, to let go – to set free. Forgiveness is something we choose to do or not to do. For relationship building among the people of God, forgiveness is to be offered and accepted unconditionally because we are loved and forgiven unconditionally by God for our thoughts, words, and deeds – those done and left undone through prayer. Forgiveness can be considered a unilateral choice that does not depend upon any change in the behavior of others. (copied and adapted, Synthesis, Sept.14, 2008)

This is clearly Jesus message of renunciation in seeking revenge on someone who has caused hurt or injury. This was alluded to in the Old Testament where Lamech attests that he will avenge himself seventy-seven fold on anyone who attacks him if Cain is avenged seven fold (Gen.4:24, NRSV).

In Matthew’s Gospel, Peter thought his offering of suggesting forgiveness of seven times was quite sufficient and generous because this measure extended the traditional teaching of the rabbis who taught three times constituted sufficiency for offering forgiveness for the same offense. This teaching was based on the book of Amos.

The difference in the scripture of last week and today is that the emphasis of forgiveness is placed on the assumption of repentance. We are called to look at the forgiveness of others with radical mercy based upon the foundation of God’s forgiveness with mercy and compassion for us. “So God (my heavenly Father) will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart." (NRSV, Matt.18:35).

Former Archbishop of South Africa Desmond Tutu wrote that, “To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest. Forgiveness is also a process that does not exclude hatred and anger. These emotions are all part of being human…the depth of your love is shown by the extent of your anger.” He goes on to say that forgiveness for him is, “the belief that you can come out of the other side a better person than the one being consumed by anger and hatred.”

Tutu is speaking from his own experiences and others who suffered the atrocities of South Africa’s apartheid. The point here is that forgiveness has the power to transform a person and therefore a community. Jesus taught forgiveness because he knew that this was how the Church was going to have the opportunity to experience the transformation of personal relationships within our communities and within nations. It is when we are able to forgive and accept someone that we see that person in a different light. Apostle, formally Saul, was no longer an enemy to the original apostles of Jesus when they forgave him. Later after trust, established Paul became a friend and brother.

When we think about it, forgiveness is not an easy thing. All too often, our emotions are involved in the process. The lesson of forgiveness was one of the hardest things I have had to learn. I have struggled with it a number of times and yet I can tell you that there is nothing like the feeling of liberation that forgiveness and reconciliation brings to the heart, mind, and soul of the forgiver and the forgiven. We all have had to cope with putting an end to an unhappy situation that entailed forgiving - the teasing friend at school, an abuser, an addict, the driver who caused a fatal accident, the negligence of a healthcare facility, the driver who cut you off in rush hour traffic, an inflexible colleague, or marriage partner and on and on. We have been given many opportunities to practice forgiveness but it not always easy to take that first step.

We often need the power of the Holy Spirit to give us the capacity to let go and keep an open heart because we may feel otherwise – trapped in the revolving door of our emotions. However, the grace of God and forgiveness is a gift. This gift so lovingly given to us by God must also be passed on to others lovingly - with mercy and compassion as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are called to remember that love and forgiveness is limitless. Forgiveness offers a way for the Christian community to stay in check, remain a prayerful front, and hold Christ in its midst. (copied and adapted from The Oxford Bible Commentary, p 867.) Our spiritual well-being is restored in a healthy manner through the release of forgiveness that can serve as a powerful healing force in all sectors of our society globally.

Let us remember these words of our sequence hymn:

“Forgive our sins as we forgive, you taught us Lord to pray; but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.”

Amen.