“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?” This is a question the disciple Peter asks of Jesus. Jesus exhorts Peter to be in a continual process of forgiveness with the answer, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” He goes on to illustrate his point with a parable about a servant who humbles himself to the Master and asks for mercy. Then, having received mercy, that servant arrogantly demands payment from a fellow servant who is indebted to him. The parable ends with the unmerciful servant in prison. That is truly what happens to the arrogant. Not only does arrogance think he is superior, he elevates himself to the position of judge and executioner of those who are perceived to have sinned against him. While Jesus walked among men, He repeatedly warned them not to judge or condemn, but to forgive. Arrogance believes he should always receive mercy but is in no way obligated to give it. Arrogance is quick to demand justice, if it serves his selfish purposes. The slightest misstep or fault of another inflames his self-righteous indignation and looses vehement criticism upon the errant. Arrogance holds Love up to ridicule for being merciful, crucifies Love’s character, and foolishly asserts that he will have no part of it! But Love is merciful, even up to seventy times seven and beyond. Love does not deny that a debt exists but graciously forgives it. Love is willing to take the loss so that another might gain. Love recognizes that mankind is shortsighted and naturally tends toward sin. Love also understands that man, himself, cannot keep himself from behaving sinfully. So, Love steps in and generously, graciously, assumes the indebtedness that occurs. Love wisely knows that a “free” man is more likely to be fruitful than one who is in prison. Love’s only desire is that those He forgives would do likewise. Selah.