“How many times shall I forgive my brother . . . seven times?” Listen to Jesus’ reply: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21,22).

Dear Jesus, in my short life I ‘ve observed many problems in my family and the families I serve. Those problems have consumed countless hours of counseling and concern. But the biggest problem of all, that too often is left undetected, is the problem of un-forgiveness. We let resentment build between us and our children when they leave their clothes and toys strewn about and don't pick up after themselves when they eat. We get consistently irritable toward our aging parents who are reverting to childish ways because they seem demanding and un-thankful or unaware of the burden they put on us Our minds replay day after day the selfish things our adult siblings have said or done. We count up how many times our spouses have neglected our needs and wants. And we choose cold indifference over vital loving relationships. You have given us the solution. From the cross you forgave everyone of everything and this opens the door for you to have a relationship with all people. Give me the power of your gospel to fully and freely forgive my family and to pursue deep forgiving relationships with them. AMEN

Forgiveness is the most wonderful vacation anyone could ever take. It's a vacation from the monotony of resentment.

Additional Readings: Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 23, Revelation 7:9-17