How often should we forgive someone who sins against us? Seven times? That was the question Peter asked Jesus. This is a great question, as many people struggle with forgiveness. As Jesus answered, he not only put Peter’s question in perspective but also gave insight into the depth of His forgiveness toward us. Matthew 18:22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven![1]
Jesus’ response did not imply that his followers should count up to seventy-seven times; instead, it indicated they should not keep track of numbers at all. Jesus was indicating that love keeps no record of wrongs. All believers should forgive willingly, as they have already been forgiven beyond understanding.
Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.[2] Jesus sets no limits on forgiveness, even ignoring the generous boundaries Peter suggested. No one can ever claim, “I’ve forgiven enough; now I can hold a grudge.”
Forgiveness Changes Us
Forgiveness may seem attractive in theory, but it can become a personal challenge. Discussing forgiveness is simple, but putting it into practice is often much more difficult. If you’ve ever struggled to forgive someone, you’re not alone. The Bible’s perspective on forgiveness doesn’t deny that the hurt happened or dismiss its significance. Instead, it involves choosing to release the burden of that hurt and to stop punishing others for what they did.
Letting go of the desire to hold it against them isn’t easy, but it reflects God’s way of relating to us. Scripture puts it in perspective. Psalm 103:12 God has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [3] That is not partial but complete forgiveness. The good news is that when we forgive, it is like unknotting ourselves from a rope we have wrapped around ourselves.
The Cross Was All About Forgiveness
Sometimes when I struggle to forgive others, I like to meditate on what Jesus did for me on the cross. My sins put Jesus on the cross, and His suffering is beyond my comprehension. He never complained about paying the price for my sins, but He calls me to take my sin to Him so I can be forgiven. Colossians 2:14 He (Jesus) canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”[4]
When Jesus was on the cross, He opened the door for our forgiveness and repentance in a simple moment that was pivotal in eternity.1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. [5] As we reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love towards us and how He forgives our sins, may it give you the strength and inspiration to forgive those who have hurt you.
How often should we forgive? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trap-of-unforgiveness
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.