All Debts Cancelled

In ancient times every seven years all debts were to be cancelled. That was not something passive that just happened but it was something that the one owed would do for the one who owed him.

At the end of every seventh year you must cancel the debts of everyone who owes you money. There should be no poor among you. Deuteronomy 15:1, 4

That got me thinking and my question for us today is this:  Is there anything that we've been holding against another person for a while - maybe even longer than 7 years?  Maybe it's time to release the person from the resentment or grudge and unforgiveness we've been holding and let a fresh start happen for them and us.

Really?  Is that something that God means to be applied to these kinds of debts - debts of the heart? 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

Forgiveness is removing debts - legitimate grievances we have against those who have wronged us.  We're willing to do that once or twice for people but here is Jesus' standard.

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”  “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!  Matthew 18:21-22

In other words, however often someone hurt us, disappointed us, did wrong to us, it is God's way that we forgive them.  Yes, it's legitimate to maintain healthy boundaries like not going near those who have been violent towards us or not lending money to people who are not reliable to pay their debts, etc. But, 

Who still owes us?  What will we do about it.  It's a challenge but I believe it is what God is asking us to do an inventory of our hearts around today.  And the good news for us is this - it's not just that the person who wronged us gets forgiveness, we get freedom by being the one who forgives and none of us lives in poverty of spirit because of past wrongs.

Loving God, this seems like a pretty tough challenge for all of us but here we are.  As we quiet our hearts before You today would you show us anyone that we are hold a debt, a grudge, a resentment, against.  Please work in us so we have the grace to truly forgive them and to let the page between us be clean. Show us any conversations we need to have with the person or persons and give us wisdom in all our interactions with others going forward. 

We also need healing because we've suffered wrongs done to us and so at the very same place where we are offering forgiveness to the ones who have wronged us, we also ask You for healing and restoration in our own hearts and lives.  Fill us up with Your tender grace and kindness.  Make us whole again, we pray.  Amen

This is not something for 30 seconds.  Maybe take some time today and let God bring this freedom and healing to your soul.  You'll be glad you did.