Peter said to our Lord, "How oft shall my brother sin against
me, and I forgive him, until seven times?" (Matt. 18:21.22.)
What warrant had Peter for saying, "How oft?" Had he been standing
at the foot of Mount Sinai, he might have said, "How oft?" Standing
in the covenant of grace, we say, "Seventy times seven."
If we be called to judge offending brethren, we should judge
before the Mercy-seat. There we are self-judged, as oft offending
and oft forgiven.
Those injuries are often hardest to forgive which are only known
to the injured and the wrong-doer.
If others act with want of uprightness towards us, and we are
irritated, it is a proof that we are then dealing rather with
the creature than with God.
Those are the best fitted for the work of reproof, who are severe
against themselves, but gentle towards others; whilst such as
are forward to reprove most need reproof themselves.