The Lightbulb

The American inventor Thomas Edison invented many things including the phonograph and an early battery, but probably the main thing that he is credited for is creating the incandescent light bulb. Although there are some who dispute whether he was the original inventor of the light bulb, the fact still remains that in his attempts to create his lightbulb, he failed many, many, many times, according to one quote it was at least 1000. When a reporter asked him about his failed attempts he replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” 

When someone becomes a Christian, they must understand that forgiveness is a huge part of their faith, both to receive forgiveness from God, and as well to be forgiving with others. The life of a Christian is a process that takes time to perfect, and from time to time we will require forgiveness from the Lord when we fall short. But just as each of us will need to receive forgiveness from God for our sins, we must be able to do the same to others who come to us for forgiveness, many, many times if need be.

Jesus explained the importance of forgiveness in a parable to His disciples, as well as the dire consequences that will result if one does not forgive.

Matthew 18:23-35  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, 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.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

This passage is a very important one to study, because forgiveness is something that not everyone wants to do for others. Sure, everyone wants to have their own sins removed when they come asking for forgiveness, but not everyone is willing to do the same for others when they are sinned against. Forgiveness must be reciprocated to others if we want to continue to receive forgiveness ourselves. 

Matthew 18:21-22  Then came Peter to him, and said, 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.

Not everyone learns at the same pace as others, some people may require more forgiveness and patience in order for them to overcome their sins and mistakes. Someone may need to be forgiven 10, 20, 30 times for the sins that they commit, maybe even more. But just remember, they are not perfect. They are a work in progress, just like you. Like the lightbulb, it might take a thousand different times, and a thousand different times a person might make a mistake. But each time that happens, if it happens to you, always remember to offer your forgiveness to them, because that is what Christ does for you.

In Christ

Andrew