The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21–22
When we start living in an atmosphere of humility and honesty, we must take some risks and expect some dangers. Unless humility and honesty result in forgiveness, relationships cannot be mended and strengthened. Peter recognized the risks involved and asked Jesus how he should handle them in the future. But Peter made some serious mistakes.
To begin with, he lacked humility himself. He was sure his brother would sin against him, but not he against his brother! Peter’s second mistake was in asking for limits and measures. Where there is love, there can be no limits or dimensions. Peter thought he was showing great faith and love when he offered to forgive at least seven times. After all, the rabbis taught that three times was sufficient. 1
Personal Encouragement
Are you obligated to forgive someone that has never asked to be forgiven? Are you obligate to forgive someone who has asked for forgiveness just as a matter of formality but without any sincerity? If you withhold forgiveness, what sin might you end up committing?
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Biblical forgiveness is impossible until we are humbly forgiven by Him.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for never limiting the amount of times You have forgiven me.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
