Seven

**Architecture, see footnote 4.    

    Christianity is not based on performance. It is not about doing good works to outdo the bad works that one has committed. Some people have a feeling to do good deeds if they are guilty of something. Here's the reality: "The moment [when] we commit sin, we realized that we’re too far from God but God is near."1 The reason why we somehow feels that we are far from God is because of the shame and guilt that the sin had caused in our thinking and our selves. The truth is that, God is never far. He continuously pursues us. He had already forgiven us on whatever sins that we have committed. 

"as far as the east is from the west,

    so far has he removed our transgressions from us."2 - Ps. 103:12

    His forgiveness is not limited. Jesus' response to Peter's query about the number of forgiving one's brother doesn't refer to the literal interpretation of 77 times. The implication is unlimited. I propose that Jesus refers to the attitude of the heart in that act of forgiveness more than the quantity. Since number 7 in Jewish cultures means completeness, we can say that when we forgive it should be complete, wholeheartedly, or genuine. 77 times doesn't mean a literal but instead an emphasis of the Jesus' answer to Peter's question. The reason, motivation, and intention why we can and ought to forgive is God has forgiven us in the first place through his beloved son Jesus Christ.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."3 - Ephesians 4:32

Footnotes:

1 Abalos, Marlo. Abide, Week 3: The Word feeds our Spirit. Sermon at ENEC, Calgary, AB, January 29, 2022.

2 BibleHub. https://biblehub.com/psalms/103-12.htm (Accessed on January 29, 2022)

3 BibleHub. https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-32.htm (Accessed on January 29, 2022)

4 These are some collections of thoughts and reflections in my notes during the service. Not intended for formal essays, blogs, or academic writing.