Marriage, relationships and forgiveness

We know that the disciples weren’t always the brightest bunch and sometimes that comes as a relief: If Jesus was patient with them, then there is hope for me! But today’s reading from Matthew contains a little bombshell: Jesus re-iterates what God’s plan for marriage is: a man and a woman become one flesh and are committed to each other for life. To which the disciples reply: “Well, if we cannot get rid of a wife in the way that Moses allowed, then maybe it’s better not to get married!”
What a jaded view of marriage! How “modern”!
As Christians we believe in the gift of life-long marriage. We know that by God’s grace we can stay together through ups and downs. The deep love between a couple who have grown old together is one of the most beautiful gifts of God this side of eternity. Not surprising that the Bible often compares the relationship between God and us with marriage.

And maybe it is not a coincidence that the passage preceding Jesus’ teaching on marriage talks about forgiveness: Forgiveness is not an option, it is a necessity – if we want any relationship to endure. Jesus offers us unconditional forgiveness and he is asking us to follow his example – not at all easy and quite countercultural.

Who do I need to forgive today?