So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart. (Mt, 18,35)
The story does not need any explanation so also the message. But the message is very strong.
The message is not that one should ‘forgive and forget’ as though nothing has happened. But forgiveness and reconciliation should be one’s goal. If confrontation has to happen, as it often does, it must always be with forgiveness in mind, never revenge.
God seems to be understanding when forgiveness of a brother is in question. He does not excuse us when we fail to forgive. The New Testament speaks with one voice on this subject. The prayer ‘Our Father’ confirms this message. That is ‘God forgives us only in the measure in which we forgive our neighbours’.
By saying ‘forgive your brother seventy times seven’ Jesus makes forgiveness limitless. Forgiveness should not be counted at all. The mere fact you begin to count forgiveness, then revenge is your goal. That is, one forgives so many times and then he can take revenge.
Forgiveness should never have revenge as its goal and the only goal of forgiveness is forgiveness. Forgiveness goes from forgiveness to forgiveness to forgiveness…
