I am a Jesus pusher!!! The community of believers lived at the table “in the breaking of bread,” (Acts 2:42). I must see you in light of His death for me! However, I must see you in light of His death for you! This immediately involves PARDON. I must forgive you in relationship to how He forgives you. Our self-sourcing always inspires the question, “How far do you take this? How often or how much am I required to forgive?”
In the pagan world it is get the other person before they have a chance to get you. And you most certainly must never forgive. The Jewish world demands that you do to another exactly what they have done to you. An eye for an eye is correct procedure. Of course, you forgive only after you have had your revenge. Peter considers himself very generous in proposing, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21). Forgiving seven times is very extravagant. However, there is a limit. You will always have those who push the limit; therefore you can withdraw your forgiveness from them. Jesus’ answer was, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven,” (Matthew 18:22). In the Old Testament context seventy times seven means infinity. How should I forgive you? The answer is “Jesus!” I am to go as far as He went for you. He went all the way to the cross. Evidently there was no limit; He never said, “It is enough.” In light of His cross I must forgive you in the same manner He forgives you. How could I do less and be an extension of His presence to you? I am a Jesus pusher!!!