Faith—Forgiving From the Heart
Scripture Reading — Matthew 18:21-35
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?”
With considerable personal discomfort, I share today’s thoughts with you.
At the age of 29, my wife mentioned that her knees felt numb. Neither of us was greatly concerned. But we were naïve: that was the beginning of a very challenging journey. The numbness was a symptom of multiple sclerosis. As her symptoms became more troublesome, we knew there was a serious problem. She needed an arm to lean on when climbing stairs; her vision doubled; her stamina decreased. As the years became decades of loss, her description was sadly apt: “I am dying by inches.”
To say that we struggled is an understatement. My wife did, our family did, I did. And I wasn’t always the loving and caring husband I should have been and had promised to be.
One evening, as we were visiting in the nursing home that was her “home” for eight years, I knew I had to speak about this uncomfortable truth with her. Why on that evening? I don’t know, but I’m convinced God’s Spirit was at work. So I said, “Thelma, there were times I didn’t treat you well. I was impatient, unkind, and unloving far too often. I am very sorry.”
Her response amazed me: “I don’t remember that.” She had not only forgiven; she had forgotten! How gracious, loving, kind, and generous! And healing. She forgave as Jesus calls us to—from the heart. I thank her, and I thank God.
Lord, thank you for people who forgive well. Please help us to be forgivers too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Harvey Kiekover
Harvey Kiekover grew up on a Michigan farm and studied to go into pastoral ministry. He served as a teacher in Nigeria and as a pastor and chaplain in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife became the parents of three sons, and he enjoys spending time with his six grandchildren.
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