Lord, how many times should I forgive?

Harsh comments are always hard to hear.  People who say they are unaffected by what others say about them to their faces are not telling the whole truth. But there is a difference between a mean comment from an acquaintance or stranger and one from someone you know or respect.

Having someone you love/respect tell you you suck, well it hurts a lot.

"You are too bossy." "You think you know everything" "Don't be so dumb, that's a terrible idea" 

Words. Hurt. And nothing can change that, not even an apology.

It is hard to forgive a person for hurting you repeatedly with their words, but that is what our Lord tells us we have to do. Here is what Matthew 18:21-22 says about it...

At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, "Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?"

 Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. 

I don't know about you guys, but I really truly struggle with this.  It is soooo hard to look at someone who has torn at your heart and say "Oh, its okay, I'll just sit here and let you do it again if you want."  And hey, maybe it was a one-time deal, but I think that a person who hurts you once will do it again. and again. and again.  especially if you never say something.
But, being yourself is all you can do, besides pray about it and follow the word of God.  So smile, you are beautifully, uniquely you.