And the result of that has been a buildup of resentment, frustration, bitterness, and perhaps even hatred. Sometimes it is only in small things, but sometimes it is heavy duty hurt, with major implications. Either way, it affects us. Some of you don't have to remember. You are feeling it right now, and it's all you can do to continue to sit there.
Tears are close to the surface.
And then we run headlong into this section of Matthew, with all the talk about resolving conflict with a brother, and forgiving one who violates you 77 times. Peter honestly wanted to know. The parable drives the point home. The very first book of the Bible, Genesis, gives us the insight we need in v.23-24. There we find the infamous boasting of a man named Lamech.