February 5, 2022 – “Seven Year Itch” (Matthew 18:15-22)

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18”15-22

“Seven Year Itch”

The “seven-year itch” term originally referred to scabies, an itchy infection caused by mites burrowing underneath a person’s skin. Its “seven-year” moniker referred to how long the bugs could linger. Yuck.

Unlimited forgiveness. This is what Jesus was talking about. When he says “not only seven times, but I tell you seventy-seven times”, he means a never ending supply of forgiveness. This is what is demanded of us in our relationships with others.

So, how can we manage an unlimited and endless supply of forgiveness for all people? Well, without Jesus, it is not possible. We can only do the things that Jesus demands us to do with the help of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way. And even with Jesus this will not be an easy battle. It would be easier to endure the seven-year itch — but just as painful — because offering forgiveness to everyone, all the time, is painful. We like to hold on to the hurts that others bring to us. We like to point out the faults of our friends and family members. But, the Greek word for forgiveness actually describes “unclenching a fist” — or, in other words, letting go. Forgiveness is often not about the person we are forgiving; it is about our relationship with G-d. When we let go of earthly hurts, we can focus more on our relationship with G-d — which then helps us persist in our relationship with each other.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, we always like to hold on to the hurts and slights others have perpetrated against us. Give me the strength today to forgive and to let go. Amen.

Pastor Dave