Edna Lister created this sermon outline for April 15, 1934, Buffalo, NY, and also used it May 4, 1947, Tacoma, WA. Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35.

Peter said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus said to him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven. 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, who 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 worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you 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 fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that you owed. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt, because you desired me: Should not you also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you, if you from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses. – Matthew 18:21-35.

Jesus' disciples were asking, "Why do I need to forgive? How forgiving must I be? How unselfish? How tolerant? How much must I overlook?"

This particular initiation has two stages, each with two phases. First, when you see the Light, your Oversoul, the king in this parable, condemns the past and feels complete imprisonment is too good for the sin. In the Light of Oversoul, you become conscious of self and self's relationships.

The second phase of this initiation is your relationship to God, as being one with Him. Then your seeking and devotion push up through earth's influence until you become a living sacrifice, giving up self, climbing into sunlight, where only love pours forth as an ever-living, ever-loving stream.

The second stage is your relationship to the manifest world and the aggressive quality of intellect. The Master commanded us to judge only righteous judgment, but often it is better to render none at all, let we become merely judgmental.

What is that to thee? Follow thou me. – John 21:22. The first phase in your relation to the world is condemnation of others, where you hold grudges. You are cast into prison, subject to tormentors, and the lesson returns until you learn it.

The second phase is love, the feminine quality, where you become conscious of oneness with all that is outside you, and mercy, all blended into patience and forgiveness. To forgive is to give love for everything you receive, even ill treatment.

If you think you must work to develop patience, you attract more occasions and places in which to develop it. Love fulfills the law. To avoid self-pity, use a private wailing wall, your prayer closet, instead of others' shoulders.

How many times should you forgive? Jesus said seventy times seven, which equals 490, or until forgiveness becomes a soul habit.