Peter came to Jesus and asked,
Matthew 18:21–22Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother?
…Jesus answered I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Words: Robert E. Smith, 1990. First published in the Lutheran Digest, 1991.
Music: Aurelia Samuel S. Wesley, in A Selection of Psalms and Hymns, by Charles Kemble (London: John F. Shaw, 1864), number 122 (🔊 pdf nwc).
REMEMBER CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR
© 1990 Robert E. Smith
These lyrics may be freely copied, distributed, used or performed for non-commercial purposes, provided this notice remains attached. All other rights are reserved.
Remember Christ, our Savior
Who paid the debts you owed
To God the heav’nly Father
And to you mercy showed.
When others sin against you
Be ready to forgive.
Since you have been forgiven
With them in peace now live.
Go first to find your brother,
Your sister or your friend.
Do not reveal to others
The hurt you need to mend.
Confront in humble spirit
The one whose sin caused pain
That he might seek forgiveness
And you a friend regain.
When bitter anger tempts you
To nurse your broken heart
With brooding thoughts of hatred
And vows of vengeance start.
Pray to the Lord of Pardon
For power to release
Each selfish act against you
That rage might in you cease.
O Father, Son, and Spirit,
O patient Trinity,
Who lifts from us sin’s burden
And from its debt sets free.
Grant us the will to pardon
All those who us offend
That we might enter Heaven
With them when ages end.