“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'” – Matthew 18:21-22
There is a topic that is so important that I try to send it every year. It seems like a no-brainer, but when we see so much fighting and bickering between Christians, it’s obvious that it bears repeating.
Having healthy relationships is central to being a part of the body of Christ. These are to be healthy, loving, and forgiving. And this is true not only within our immediate circle of fellow Christians, but also with our neighbors, business acquaintances, and even our enemies! What this means is that we must seek forgiveness when we have wronged others and we forgive others when they have wronged us.
Do you have relationships where things aren’t right? It could be in your marriage, with your children, with your parents, or somebody at your church. Someone close who you have trusted may have burned you. Let this be the day when you ask God for the power to forgive. Or it may be that you’ve let somebody else down and you’re estranged because of what you have done. Today is the time to say, “Lord, forgive me. Help me to have the courage to go and seek forgiveness from that person, so that we can be reconciled.” Because, my friends, the ultimate meaning of life is found in healthy relationships with God and with our fellow man. Don’t wait. Decide today to get those relationships right.