By Bob Kyser, Independence Missouri USA

Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”

I remember a time when I found myself in a dark place. It was not a physical darkness but rather an emotional and spiritual one. I felt something unjust had been done to someone very close to me. This feeling continued for several weeks through what ordinarily would have been a time for joy and happiness in celebrating the birth of Jesus.

While I was still in this “darkness,” I attended a worship service at the Temple. The person in charge read the story of Jesus inviting a man named Lazarus to come out of his tomb for he was not dead. At first I thought it strange to use this story so soon after Christmas, but almost immediately I realized that I was in a tomb of my own making. It was the tomb, the darkness, that comes when one does not forgive. I knew I needed to forgive, to come into the light, to hear Jesus calling my name…Bob, come out of your tomb. I had chosen not to forgive, to live for weeks in this prison I had made for myself.

As I shared this experience with others, people began to respond saying they would pray for me, give me a hug when we met at work, and other expressions of support. I learned a lesson in terms of what is required to follow Jesus… forgive, forgive, forgive.

When Peter asked Jesus, “How often shall I forgive?” I think he was expecting a straightforward answer. Jesus gave him the number of 490, but the number implies a principle. Sincerely requesting and granting forgiveness is a life commandment for which there is no ending.

From time to time I still ask myself Peter’s question. I always come up with the same answer: “Let nothing separate you from each other… and I will be with you by my Spirit….” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:17b). Jesus still calls us all by name.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.