How Much Does Jesus Say to Forgive?

When it comes to forgiveness, Jesus set a high bar.

Forgiveness is central to Christian teachings, and Jesus’ words on this topic are both challenging and inspiring.

Let’s explore how much Jesus says to forgive and why it matters for your life.

The Principle of Unlimited Forgiveness

One of the most significant teachings on forgiveness comes from a conversation between Jesus and Peter.

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks,

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus responds,

“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

This answer wasn’t meant to be taken literally as forgiving exactly seventy-seven times.

Instead, Jesus was using hyperbole to teach that forgiveness should be limitless

Imagine telling someone to forgive 490 times (seventy times seven in some translations) – it’s an impossible number to keep track of, emphasizing that forgiveness should be ongoing and without limit.

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

To further illustrate His point, Jesus shared the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-35).

In this story, a king forgives a servant’s enormous debt.

However, the same servant refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him by another.

When the king hears about this, he punishes the servant, highlighting the importance of extending the same mercy we receive.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the parable:

The Unforgivable Debt:

The servant owed the king ten thousand bags of gold (or ten thousand talents).

This was an astronomical amount, signifying a debt impossible to repay.

The King’s Mercy:

Despite the huge debt, the king forgave the servant completely.

The Unforgiving Servant:

The servant then demands repayment from a fellow servant who owed him a hundred silver coins, a much smaller amount.

The King’s Judgment:

Seeing the servant’s lack of mercy, the king reinstates the original debt and punishes him.

The lesson?

If you’ve been forgiven much, you should forgive others just as freely.

The Lord’s Prayer and Forgiveness

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray,

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

This prayer ties our forgiveness from God to our willingness to forgive others.

After the prayer, Jesus emphasizes,

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15).

This passage underscores the reciprocal nature of forgiveness.

Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive can hinder your own forgiveness and spiritual growth.

Seventy Times Seven: A Story of Radical Forgiveness

Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, offers a powerful real-life example of Jesus’ call to forgive.

After the war, Corrie spoke about her experiences and the power of forgiveness.

One day, she encountered one of her former captors at a church service.

He extended his hand to her, seeking her forgiveness.

Corrie hesitated but remembered Jesus’ command to forgive.

As she shook his hand, she felt a surge of love and forgiveness, realizing that true forgiveness can only come from God.

Corrie’s story exemplifies forgiving “seventy times seven,” even when it seems impossible.

Practical Steps to Forgiveness

Forgiving like Jesus isn’t easy, but it’s essential for personal and spiritual well-being.

Here are some practical steps to help you forgive:

#1. Acknowledge Your Hurt:

Recognize the pain and the wrong done to you.

It’s okay to feel hurt and angry.

#2. Decide to Forgive:

Forgiveness is a choice.

Decide to forgive, even if you don’t feel like it initially.

#3. Seek God’s Help:

Pray for strength and the ability to forgive.

Remember, forgiveness is often a process that requires divine assistance.

#4. Let Go of Grudges:

Holding onto anger only harms you.

Release your resentment and focus on healing.

#5. Reconcile When Possible:

If it’s safe and appropriate, seek reconciliation with the person who hurt you.

However, understand that forgiveness doesn’t always mean restoring the relationship to what it was before.

#6. Practice Compassion:

Try to see the situation from the other person’s perspective.

Compassion can soften your heart and make forgiveness easier.

Why Forgiveness Matters

Forgiving others isn’t just about following Jesus’ teachings; it has practical benefits for your well-being.

Here’s why forgiveness matters:

#1. Reduces Stress:

Holding onto anger and resentment increases stress and negatively impacts your health.

#2. Improves Relationships:

Forgiveness fosters healthier and more meaningful relationships.

#3. Enhances Mental Health:

Letting go of grudges can reduce anxiety and depression.

#4. Promotes Peace:

Forgiveness brings inner peace and emotional freedom.

Final Thoughts

Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness challenge us to go beyond our natural inclinations.

Forgiving “seventy times seven” isn’t about keeping count but about cultivating a heart that’s willing to forgive endlessly.

It’s a lifelong journey that transforms both the forgiver and the forgiven.

As you strive to forgive, remember Jesus’ words and His example.

He forgave those who crucified Him, saying,

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Let His example guide you in your journey toward limitless forgiveness.

Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s possible.

With God’s help, you can embrace a life of radical forgiveness, finding freedom and peace along the way.

FAQs: How Much Does Jesus Say to Forgive?

1. What does Jesus mean by “seventy-seven times” or “seventy times seven”?

Jesus’ statement to forgive “seventy-seven times” or “seventy times seven” isn’t meant to be taken literally.

It symbolizes limitless forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that we should always be willing to forgive, without keeping count.

2. Why is forgiveness so important in Christianity?

Forgiveness is central to Christianity because it reflects God’s mercy and grace.

Jesus taught that forgiving others is essential for receiving God’s forgiveness and is crucial for spiritual growth and healing.

3. What is the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant?

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant is a story Jesus told in Matthew 18:23-35.

It illustrates the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God.

In the story, a king forgives a massive debt of one servant, who then refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him by another servant.

The king punishes the unforgiving servant, teaching that we should extend the same mercy we’ve received.

4. How does the Lord’s Prayer relate to forgiveness?

The Lord’s Prayer includes the line,

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

This prayer shows that our forgiveness from God is linked to our willingness to forgive others.

Jesus further emphasizes this by stating that if we forgive others, God will forgive us; if we don’t, God won’t forgive our sins.

5. What are some practical steps to forgive someone?

Acknowledge Your Hurt: Recognize your pain and anger.
Decide to Forgive: Choose to forgive, even if it’s hard.
Seek God’s Help: Pray for the strength to forgive.
Let Go of Grudges: Release your resentment to move forward.
Reconcile When Possible: Seek reconciliation if it’s safe and appropriate.
Practice Compassion: Try to understand the other person’s perspective.

6. Can forgiveness improve my mental and physical health?

Yes, forgiveness can have significant health benefits.

It reduces stress, improves relationships, enhances mental health by reducing anxiety and depression, and promotes inner peace.

7. Does forgiving someone mean I have to forget what they did?

No, forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting.

It means choosing to let go of resentment and anger.

You can forgive someone while still remembering the harm they caused and taking steps to protect yourself in the future.

8. Can I forgive someone without reconciling with them?

Yes, forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation.

It’s possible to forgive someone in your heart without re-establishing a relationship, especially if it’s unhealthy or unsafe to do so.

**9. How did Jesus exemplify forgiveness

Jesus exemplified forgiveness in many ways, most notably when He was crucified.

Despite the immense suffering and injustice He faced, He prayed for those who were crucifying Him, saying,

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

This act of forgiveness under such extreme circumstances highlights the depth of Jesus’ commitment to forgiving others.

10. What if I find it too hard to forgive someone?

It’s natural to struggle with forgiveness, especially if the hurt is deep.

Start by acknowledging your feelings and seeking God’s help through prayer.

Sometimes, speaking with a trusted friend, counselor, or spiritual advisor can provide support and perspective.

Remember, forgiveness is often a process, and it’s okay to take small steps toward healing.

11. Does forgiveness mean there are no consequences for the person who hurt me?

Forgiveness doesn’t eliminate consequences.

The person who hurt you may still face natural or legal consequences for their actions.

Forgiving someone means you release your personal anger and desire for revenge, but it doesn’t negate the need for justice or accountability.

12. How can I teach my children about forgiveness?

Lead by example.

Demonstrate forgiveness in your own actions and explain why it’s important.

Use stories from the Bible, like the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, to illustrate the concept.

Encourage open discussions about feelings and help them understand that forgiving others is a way to experience peace and happiness.

13. Why did Jesus emphasize forgiving others in His teachings?

Jesus emphasized forgiveness because it is essential for spiritual health and community harmony.

Forgiveness reflects God’s character and promotes reconciliation, healing, and peace.

It allows individuals to let go of bitterness and live in freedom and grace.

14. How do I know if I’ve truly forgiven someone?

You might have truly forgiven someone if:

You no longer dwell on the incident or feel anger when you think about it.
You wish the best for the person who hurt you.
You don’t seek revenge or hold a grudge.
You feel a sense of peace regarding the situation.

Remember, forgiveness can be a gradual process, and it’s okay if these feelings take time to develop.