Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22
A dear brother and daily reader of these meditations read yesterday’s post on “reciprocal listening” and sent the following reply to his mother for her birthday. However, instead of forwarding it to her, he accidentally sent it to me. I was so moved by it, that I got his permission to share it anonymously as today’s daily meditation (and if you missed yesterday’s post, you might want to read it first by scrolling to the bottom of this post and clicking on the link).
“Mom, Happy Birthday. I was prompted after reading this email that I need to apologize to you. Often when we talk I am so excited to add thoughts that I cut you off and end your thoughts. I have not been a good listener with you and I am sorry. I want to ask your forgiveness. I love you too much not to pause, focus, and hear everything you have to share. I am going to work on this in general, and hopefully you will experience the work of God in me next time we are together. Which I hope is soon. Have a great birthday.”
In today’s Scripture reading, Jesus basically tells Peter that while those close to us will often sin against us over and over, wronging us such as failing to listen time after time, we should not keep score but must graciously and lovingly forgive them. This is only possible with God’s help so my prayer today for myself and others will be for the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us obey this instruction from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and grow as generous listeners!
Father in heaven, help us become generous listeners. For those of us who struggle with this, pour out your grace and work in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We want those closest to us to “experience the work of God” in us through how we “pause, focus, and hear” what they have to say. And for those of us who have been wronged in this way, help us forgive without keeping track in gratitude for the forgiveness we have experienced from You. In your mercy, hear our prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.