I have been challenging myself this week with how easily I forgive, and I have come to the uncomfortable conclusion that it is really hard to forgive the big things, the actions taken which change lives or cause real pain. I am also aware that the question of forgiveness is going to be back on the public agenda following the report on Bloody Sunday how easily can people forgive these events so long ago?

 

Jesus of course makes it all very clear, he tells the story of two people whose debts were cancelled by a moneylender, one who owed five hundred silver coins and one who owed fifty, and asks which one would love him more?

 

I suppose therefore I have no business in differentiating between sins, forgiveness is required in all cases and will mean more to those who have more need of it. Such love is not always easy but then how easy has it been for God to continue to love us after all we have done?  This is not an easy step, it asks for love beyond our human capacity, and a lot of help from God.

"I tell you then, that the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven. But whoever has been forgiven little shows only a little love." Luke 7 vs 36-50