Forgiveness

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive someone who sons against me? Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21

Peter probably thought he was being pretty generous and merciful when he said seven times. I believe the number of times Jews would typically do was three throughout their history. However, Jesus probably surprised him with His answer.

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:22

Other translations say "seventy times seven." Either way, it's a pretty big number! I don't think Jesus is being literal here. Think about it, who would actually count to seventy-seven or four hundred ninety! I think what Jesus is saying is don't count! Always forgive! Jesus says in Luke...

"If a brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them." Luke 17:3-4


We are commanded to be holy because our Father is holy (Leviticus 11:44). If we are commanded to always forgive, it must be because it reflects God's holy character! God always forgives those who humble themselves and repent! It's all because Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for the sins that we commit in this life. Thanks be to God for forgiveness!