Time for an unscheduled conundrum. With recent events that have been going on, I was thinking a bit about when is the right time to let someone or something go? How long do you chase someone (not like a nerdy kid trying to date a cheerleader chase) before you back off? How long are you to pursue them?

Jesus answers Peter that we are to forgive as many times as we are asked. Not just 7 times, but 490 times. But, in what could be misconstrued as a conflicting statement, He later says that if people do not listen, to shake the dust of the town from your (the disciples’ initially) sandals. Before continuing, let me say that there is no conflict here; anything that seems like one is a mistake on out part. God protects His word, and won’t let us mess it up like that. At the very basic level, the first passage is for when someone asks for forgiveness, the people mentioned in the second passage don’t care about hearing the gospel. I don’t know that anyone would try to start something on that, I just am a little paranoid.

I’m sort of seeking an answer here, but mainly, this post is just to let my mind wander over details. It’s obvious that, if someones asks for forgiveness, you need to grant it. I understand that. What about the people who don’t care that they hurt you? They know you’re hurt, but see no problem with what they have done. Really, it boils down to, when do you shake the dust off in that case?

I’ve heard the phrase, “Let them pull the TV onto their head,” and it’s cousin, “Let them hit the wall.” I know what they mean, but I still want to stand there and give warnings, like Burma-Shave signs. I also want to be there when the TV is on their head, or they’re laying on the floor, asking how bad does it hurt. Or maybe telling them to walk it off.

If I had to end with answer, it would have to be to step back, but don’t stop looking. Wait on them the way God waits on us when we do something stupid.