Civilized society, which proudly has set up international institutions, such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and United Nation’s Foundation, for peace between nations and races, cannot forget the necessity of sharing forgiveness and mercy in individual homes and relationships. Answering to the question of Peter regarding forgiveness, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” “No, not seven times.” (Mat 18:21-22) was the definite answer of Jesus, which substantiated with the parable of the unforgiving servant, who “ends up in jail to be punished until he should pay back the whole amount” (Mat 18:34). For that is the demand of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is a command and not a suggestion: “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done” (Mat 6:15). Paul’s Letter to Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus, would melt any reader with the message of Christian forgiveness, “So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!” (Philmn 17-20). Let’s practice the art of forgiveness in homes and relationships to receive mercy from God, who demands and extends mercy unconditionally. 

Abba, thank you for Your infinite mercy towards me. Let your Spirit remind me of my duty to extend mercy always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.