Jesus said to Peter, “Here’s what I want you to do, Rocky. Go down to Wal-Mart and buy one of those big spiral notebooks they have on their back-to-school specials rack. Pick out a bright-colored one, red or yellow or orange – so you’ll be able to keep up with it and know where it is at all times.
“Better buy some pencils, too – lots of pencils. Then, I want you to write down the name of everyone you know in that big spiral notebook. Leave lots of space between the names, now. You’ll need it! And be sure you have room at the end to write down the names of new people that you meet.
“Every time someone gives you the dirty end of the stick, get your notebook out, open it to the page with their name on it, and make a mark beside their name. When someone gets 490 marks beside their name, you don’t have to forgive that person ever again for anything.”
Peter thought about what Jesus had said for a minute. Then he spoke up again. “But, Lord, if I do that, I’ll spend all my time writing in that stupid book. And at the rate we’re meeting new people, pretty soon I’ll need another book, and then another, until I have a whole set of books to carry around!”
“I think you’re starting to get the picture, Peter,” Jesus said.
Thanks to Johnny Dean for this great example.
How are YOU doing in forgiving others 7 X 70 times?
INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, ASK GOD, “WHAT IS THE LESSON YOU ARE TRYING TO TEACH ME?”
