Just Keep Talking Through It

Just Keep Talking through It

Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

Matthew 18:21-22

Sometimes showing kindness to those who are closest to us—spouses, kids, good friends—is the hardest. Relationships are made up of imperfect people living life together and loving one another, however flawed they may be.

For a while my husband and I were having a particularly difficult time communicating with one another. Although we loved each other, misunderstandings were causing strain on our relationship.

I met with a good friend, who also happens to be a therapist. As I told her what had been happening in our relationship as of late, she stated, “Just keep talking through it. Don’t stop, even when you don’t feel like doing it. Just keep talking. Just keep showing up.” I went home encouraged and with a renewed intention to not give up on our communication. Through several more weeks and a lot of talking and seeking forgiveness from each other, we were able to each realize where our miscommunications were taking place. We then spent the next several months adjusting our interactions to better communicate with each other without hurting—albeit inadvertently—the other’s feelings.

In Scripture we find Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, and I understand where he is coming from. Relationships can sometimes be hard, and I’d like to put a limit on how many times I should extend forgiveness toward those I love. But Jesus doesn’t do that. He simply tells Peter (and us) that we are to offer others forgiveness as many times as they are in need of it. Although this can be challenging to carry out at times, it is comforting to know that we also are offered the same amount of unending forgiveness for our mistakes. We all need to offer others kindness through forgiveness, because the truth is, there are times when we need it extended back to us when we’ve erred.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Offer forgiveness to someone you’ve been having a hard time forgiving. Extend a bit of kindness toward that person either in word or deed.