What forgiveness is, and is not

 Scripture: Exodus 14:19-31 and Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21  • Genesis 50:15-21 and Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13  • Romans 14:1-12  • Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus tells Peter, in answer to his question, how many times must I forgive, "Seventy times seven." What does he mean? Does he mean to forgive indiscriminately? While forgiveness should be our everyday practice, is there anything which is not forgiveable?

What is involved in forgiving, for ourselves, and others? What should we expect? To avoid the rush to "cheap grace," we should ask what what forgiveness is, and what it is not. Especially in the age we live in, in the face of injustice and inequity, which we are also called to address.

There is work to be done before there can be reconciliation, not the least of which is honestly addressing denial. Read Debie Thomas' "Unpacking Forgiveness." Forgiveness is not meant to be hollow, or cheap. For Christians, there is always the cross before new and everlasting life, and peace.