Colossians 3:13

A custom way out in the African bush which has no equivalent in this part of the world is “Forgiveness Week.” Fixed in the dry season, when the weather itself is smiling, this is a week when every man and woman pledges himself or herself to forgive any neighbor any wrong, real or fancied, that may be a cause for misunderstanding, coldness , or quarrel between the parties.

It is, of course, a part of our religion that a man should forgive his brother . But among recent converts, and even older brethren, this great tenet is, perhaps naturally , apt to be forgotten or overlooked in the heat and burden of work. “Forgiveness Week” brings it forcibly to mind. The week itself terminates with a festival of happiness and rejoicing among the native Christians.

If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother . . . Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.

I forgave thee all that debt; shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us.—I JOHN 3:16.

The love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.—Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.

I forgave thee all that debt; shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?