Friday April 8, 2011
Theme: Scream-Free Family
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Glory to God Forever, God With Us, Attention, 'til I See You
Read: Matthew 18:21-22
Think: As a teenager, I did some stupid things. Buying my 1979 Plymouth Arrow was not particularly stupid. It was a good little car. My buddy and I installed a nice stereo in it, with a graphic equalizer in the glove box. We even added fog lamps hanging from the front bumper. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as careful with maintenance as I was selecting electronics. I ran it out of oil – twice. I learned a painful and costly lesson about the importance of oil.
Josh McDowell, the Christian apologist, teaches of the importance of forgiveness by saying: “Forgiveness is the oil of relationships.” Friction is a natural part of all human relationships in our fallen state, and even occurs regularly within the most loving of families. Just like the friction that caused my car engine to seize (yes, twice), friction in our family relationships can lead to breakdowns, too. And like oil might have saved my car, it is forgiveness that preserves relationships. When we forgive those around us, it allows our relationships to continue working. Without forgiveness, relationships fail.
In the scripture reading for today, Peter seems to understand that some forgiveness is required in human interaction. But his question reveals an assumption that there must be some limit to offering forgiveness – is seven times the right number? Jesus replies with hyperbole. ‘Not seven times, but seventy times seven’. So, 490 times? No, as often as necessary. Keep forgiving in order to keep your family relationships healthy.
Do: Forgive someone today. Then put a little sticker up in the corner of your computer monitor reminding you to forgive them the next time.
Pray: Lord, Jesus, sometimes it’s easy to forgive, but many times it’s not. People around me – even my family members – hurt me, and I don’t want to forgive. When I feel that way, remind me of how you’ve forgiven me, and let that be my example. Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.