Good morning. Do you know someone who requires exceptional mercy and forgiveness? Hopefully, we might all consider that the most appropriate answer is, “Yep, and I see that person in the mirror quite frequently”.
If we are to honestly consider that question, I suppose that the first thing we should do is to define what is meant by “exceptional”. Quite honestly, I don’t think there is an act of mercy and forgiveness by our loving God that isn’t exceptional. Also, I think that we might be entering into an area of dangerous thinking if we should ever begin to assume that God’s grace, His mercy and forgiveness, are anything but remarkable, incredible, and exceptional.
But when the question turns to our own responsibility to forgive, does the criteria change? Are some who are in need of forgiveness from you able to be classified as in “ordinary need” while others are more exceptional? Again, I think that might be a slippery slope. If anyone is in need of your forgiveness the matter is never to be considered casual or ordinary, it is always exceptional and important.
In Matthew 18 we read that Peter, and it seems that although he was the spokesman, he was asking for all of the disciples, asks Jesus about forgiveness: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.Matthew 18:21-22
The Scribes and Pharisees had been teaching in the synagogues that Godly forgiveness was to be so very patient and complete that a person of God was to be willing to forgive as many as seven times. To the disciples, I think that number seemed very high, unreasonable in fact. In this case, Jesus goes beyond the teaching of the Pharisees and tells them that the answer isn’t seven but seventy times seven. That answer, to the Jew, would clearly represent the idea that forgiveness is not determined by a number but that it is to be unlimited. Now that idea is exceptional!
God’s love is without limit. God’s mercy is without limit. God’s forgiveness is without limit. What can we say to that other than, “Thank you Lord!”
Colossians 3:12-14 comes to the heart of how we are to consider the subject: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Be well clothed in the Lord today, and be exceptional in love, mercy, and forgiveness!
Vern