Forgiveness is never easy; it is hard. It is the most difficult thing in the universe. 

TO FORGIVE means that one genuinely loves, and THIS LOVE CAN MOVE BEYOND THE ISSUE TO THE PERSON, AND THAT ONE CARES MORE ABOUT THE PERSON THAN ABOUT WHAT HE OR SHE HAS DONE. 

Forgiveness liberates. Forgiveness frees the person for the options of living. 

Our refusal to forgive is a power play that limits the offender, that holds the guilty “under one’s thumb,” or power. But such forgiveness is always in relationship, hence the condition of repentance. It is not a package that one accepts and runs away with. It is only known in reconciliation (restoration).   (From: The Preacher’s Commentary) 

“Jesus answered him, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy times seven.”  Matthew 18:22 (GW)

Pastor Kevin Kinchen

kevinkinchen@gmail.com