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Sharing insight into Bible passages

Each week the Village News now features a different Bible passage (or other thought-provoking message relating to faith) so that readers can share their insight and/or opinions.

This new, interactive section allows those of various denominations and faiths to participate equally and respectfully, sharing their individual thoughts, commentary, viewpoints and/or insight on particular Biblical verses and themes.

In addition, the Bible passage selected for the following week will be publicized so that readers can e-mail their comments to be included.

All comments and insight shared will also go on the newspaper’s Web site (www.thevillagenews.com) so it can be reviewed and commented on further.

If you would like to recommend Bible passages for this discussion venue, please e-mail us at [email protected].

Forgiveness

(Matthew 18:21-23)

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.”

Jesus tells Peter it is necessary to forgive those who trespass against him seven times seventy. Christianity is founded upon forgiveness, but how can we apply this to our lives? Is forgiveness an everyday process that we must ask for and then give?

Jim Fowler,

Christ in You Ministries says:

“The disciple Peter had been trained by the rabbinic religionists to believe that three occasions of forgiveness was the maximum required by Jewish law. He no doubt thought he was being quite generous by suggesting that forgiveness be granted to an offending brother seven times.

“Jesus used a numerical exaggeration of ‘seventy times seven’ to show that genuine forgiveness is not a matter of mathematics, but is the unlimited character expression of God. Such an expression of forgiveness requires the internal and spiritual function of the divine Forgiver within us.”

Pastor Art Blodgett,

Community Baptist Church says:

“In Jesus’ response to Peter, we get the picture that forgiveness is much more than an act, and might even be better described as an attitude or way of life.

“Recognizing God’s great mercy and forgiveness shown to us in and through Jesus Christ should work to create in us a willingness to be forgiving, a most practical way of sharing the grace and love we’ve received from God with one another.

“Colossians 3:13 puts forgiveness in perspective: ‘Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ Now this, I must say, gives each of us more than a lifetime of forgiveness opportunities.”

Faye Hall,

Christian Science says:

“Nearly all religions recommend practicing forgiveness as a prerequisite to salvation. Even medical science has documented better health when hate and resentment are overcome.

“Forgiving seven times seventy does not mean forgiving your brother just 490 times, or any kid with a sibling would have used them up by preschool age. It means forgiving every time, loving your neighbor as yourself, and it even means loving your enemies.

“Can we do it? Yes, if we understand man is the image and likeness of God, and if we continually yield to the will of God.

“The Bible has many examples of those who have succeeded. Besides Jesus, it is helpful to study Joseph, whose brothers threw him in the pit. If he can forgive them, we can forgive our brothers, and we can learn to forgive ourselves if we have thrown someone in a pit.”

Next week’s passage:

Seeking/understanding God’s Kingdom

(Matthew 6:32-34)

“For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Christians are told to seek the Kingdom of God and its righteousness above all things, but what is the Kingdom of God, and how can we achieve it?

To comment on this passage email: [email protected]

 

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