How many times must we forgive?

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus responded, Not seven times, but I tell you, seventy-seven times." (Matthew 15:21)

Forgiveness seems like such an alien concept in our modern world where repayment for deeds done wrong feels better, accomplishes more, and in the end leave us feeling justified in our actions. How far from the truth is this idea as we take a gander at the Gospel lesson for this coming Sunday?

Katherine M. Piderman, Ph.D. a staff chaplain at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota offers some guidance on the practice of forgiveness. The facts are in front of us that living forgiveness in our lives actually leads to healthier lives both physically and spiritually. Here is a snippet from her web article offered on the Mayo Clinic website. You can click here for the full article.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Researchers have recently become interested in studying the effects of being unforgiving and being forgiving. Evidence is mounting that holding on to grudges and bitterness results in long-term health problems. Forgiveness, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits, including:

• Lower blood pressure
• Stress reduction
• Less hostility
• Better anger management skills
• Lower heart rate
• Lower risk of alcohol or substance abuse
• Fewer depression symptoms
• Fewer anxiety symptoms
• Reduction in chronic pain
• More friendships
• Healthier relationships
• Greater religious or spiritual well-being
• Improved psychological well-being

Something to think about as we mediate on the word this week. Forgiveness can be powerful both for the one who was wronged or sinned against and the one who receives such grace that forgiveness brings.

The challenge in forgiveness is letting go not of the person but the action which caused the grievance. Often times we don't know how to handle what others have done to us.