Forgiveness Litany Based on Matthew 18:21-35

Leader: "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? (Matthew 18:21a, NRSV)

People: If someone is caught in a sin, we who are spiritual should restore that one gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted! (Galatians 6:1, NIV, adapted)

Leader: But what is fair; how often should I forgive the same person?

People: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13, NIV)

Leader: "Should I forgive as many as seven times?" (Matthew 18:21b, NRSV, adapted)

People: Jesus said, "If the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive." (Luke 17:4, NRSV)

Leader: Jesus said to forgive "Not seven times, but, seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:22b, NRSV, adapted)

All: Love is not rude, Love is not self-seeking, Love is not easily angered, and Love keeps no record of wrongs. God give us the grace to love and to forgive one another.

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations noted as NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.