Forgiveness

Jesus once taught that his followers were to forgive others. “How often should we forgive?” they asked. His answer was, “70 times 7.”
As a math teacher, the multiplication is easy. The answer is 490. Does that mean that we should get a notebook and write down every single time a person hurts us or offends us? Then when they get to 490 offenses against us we are justified in feeling anger and hatred toward that person? The answer to that question is… of course not.
I had a simple experience many years ago that taught me the importance of forgiving.
Admittedly, the offence that I experienced pales in comparison to some of the horrible things that have happened to people, and I have no intention of minimizing those things. However, I believe the principle is applicable in all situations.
I was expecting to go on a date with a girl that I was very infatuated with. We had gone on a few dates and I wanted to move the relationship on to the next level. Well, for the 2nd date in a row she stood me up. Not only that I found out that she was on a date with someone else. I was hurt and then I became angry! I started thinking of all the ways that I could let her know how hurt and angry I was and how I could make the situation fair and right.
But then I realized that I was the one who was feeling angry. She was out on a date having a good time. She did not care how I was feeling. I was the one feeling bad… not her.
I decided to forgive her, not for her sake… but because I did not want to feel ager and hate and all the negative emotions that go along with being hurt and mad. I didn’t need to get revenge to feel better. I did have to make a decision that I wanted to feel good.
Forgiveness is not for the offender. It is the cleansing agent, that when practiced, cleanses the heart of the offended so that they don’t have to carry the burden of hatred and anger around inside themselves.