Have you ever wondered if there is any truth in the saying that elephants never forget? Surprisingly, research studies have revealed that elephants have impressive memories. They not only remember individuals and other elephants from their past, but they appear to remember injuries and actually hold grudges against their abusers.
In today's verses, Jesus is telling us that He expects us to forgive those who sin against us not SEVEN times but SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN times. Are we capable of forgiving someone 490 times? What if we assume that Jesus is actually conveying that our forgiveness should be limitless ... just as God offers us unlimited forgiveness? Could we extend unlimited forgiveness?
Sadly, I am convinced that if we choose to hold on to grudges and hurts as elephants appear to do ... we will never be able to forgive as our loving Father forgives us. The constant dredging up of past offenses would lead to a life filled with bitterness and hatred.
My challenge to you today is to PRACTICE FORGETFULNESS on a daily basis. By doing so, old hurts will no longer require forgiveness .... they will be forgotten!
Dear Lord, You have called me to forgive the individuals who have wronged me. Please strengthen me to overcome these hurts and to forgive as You have forgiven me.
I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
Reflection: Is there a hurt in your life that you need to forgive and forget in order to receive all that God has planned for you?
