Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian teaching, but how often should you forgive someone? Is there a limit? In the Bible, Jesus answers this question in a conversation with Peter. Let’s dive into the passage where Jesus teaches about forgiveness and the profound lesson behind the numbers “70 times 7.”
The Conversation Between Jesus and Peter
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 21-22, we find the crucial conversation:
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.'” (Matthew 18:21-22, NIV)
Understanding the Context
In Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was considered sufficient. So, when Peter suggests forgiving up to seven times, he’s already thinking generously. But Jesus’ response, “seventy times seven,” raises the bar astronomically.
Why “70 Times 7”?
The phrase “seventy times seven” isn’t meant to be taken literally as 490 times. Instead, it symbolizes boundless forgiveness. Jesus uses hyperbole to emphasize that forgiveness shouldn’t have limits. Let’s break down why this number was chosen:
- Symbolism in Numbers: In Jewish culture, numbers often hold symbolic meanings. Seven is a number representing completeness or perfection, as seen in the seven days of creation. By extending this to “seventy times seven,” Jesus is multiplying the concept of completeness, indicating infinite forgiveness.
- Breaking Traditions: Peter’s suggestion of forgiving seven times was already above the traditional three. Jesus’ answer blows past any human measure, encouraging believers to forgive endlessly, reflecting God’s infinite mercy.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
To drive his point home, Jesus follows up with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35). In this story:
- A king forgives a servant’s enormous debt: The servant owes 10,000 talents, an amount so huge it’s unpayable. The king’s forgiveness of this debt highlights the magnitude of God’s grace.
- The servant refuses to forgive a small debt: Despite being forgiven a colossal debt, the servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant’s minor debt. This stark contrast illustrates hypocrisy and the lack of compassion.
- The consequences of unforgiveness: The king punishes the unforgiving servant, emphasizing that those who receive mercy should extend it to others.
Key Lessons from the Parable
- God’s Forgiveness is Vast: Just as the king forgave an unpayable debt, God’s forgiveness of our sins is beyond measure.
- We’re Called to Mirror God’s Forgiveness: The forgiven servant’s failure to forgive a minor debt teaches us that if we’ve experienced God’s mercy, we should be just as generous in forgiving others.
- Unforgiveness Has Consequences: The servant’s punishment serves as a warning that refusing to forgive others can lead to severe repercussions.
Applying Jesus’ Teaching Today
Jesus’ directive to forgive “70 times 7” challenges us to embrace a lifestyle of continual forgiveness. But how can you put this into practice in everyday life?
Practical Steps to Embrace Boundless Forgiveness
- Reflect on God’s Forgiveness: Remember how much you’ve been forgiven. Meditate on passages like Ephesians 4:32, which encourages us to forgive as God forgave us.
- Let Go of Keeping Score: Keeping track of wrongs can be exhausting and destructive. Instead, focus on moving forward and letting go of past grievances.
- Seek Understanding and Compassion: Try to understand the perspective of those who wrong you. Compassion often softens the heart and makes forgiveness easier.
- Pray for Strength and Guidance: Forgiveness can be challenging. Ask for God’s help in releasing bitterness and extending grace.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: Forgiving doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior. It’s okay to set boundaries to protect yourself while still forgiving others.
The Challenge of Forgiving Repeatedly
Forgiving someone repeatedly can be difficult, especially when the offense is serious or ongoing. Here’s how you can navigate this challenge:
- Acknowledge the Pain: It’s okay to admit that forgiveness is hard. Ignoring your feelings won’t help. Instead, recognize your hurt and work through it.
- Remember It’s a Process: Forgiveness isn’t always instantaneous. It can take time, and that’s okay. Keep striving to forgive, even if it’s a slow journey.
- Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor about your struggles with forgiveness. Sometimes, sharing your burden can provide relief and clarity.
Forgiveness in Other Biblical Teachings
Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness extends beyond this conversation with Peter. Here are a few other key scriptures:
- The Lord’s Prayer: In Matthew 6:12, part of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This links our forgiveness by God with our forgiveness of others.
- Luke 17:3-4: Jesus tells His disciples, “If your 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.”
- Ephesians 4:32: Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This echoes Jesus’ call to unlimited forgiveness.
Conclusion
Jesus’ command to forgive “70 times 7” is a profound call to embody the limitless mercy we receive from God. While forgiving endlessly can be challenging, it’s a vital part of living out Christian faith. Remember, forgiveness isn’t just about letting others off the hook; it’s about freeing yourself from the chains of bitterness and reflecting God’s boundless love. Next time you’re faced with the choice to forgive, think of Jesus’ conversation with Peter and the deeper message of boundless grace it conveys.
FAQs: Forgiveness and Jesus’ Teaching to Forgive 70 Times 7
1. Where does Jesus tell Peter to forgive 70 times 7?
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 21-22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive “seventy times seven” times, symbolizing boundless forgiveness.
2. What is the significance of the number “70 times 7”?
“70 times 7” is a hyperbolic expression used by Jesus to indicate that forgiveness should be limitless. It’s not about a literal number but about the spirit of infinite forgiveness.
3. What is the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant?
In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus tells a story about a king who forgives a servant’s enormous debt, but the servant then refuses to forgive a minor debt owed to him. This parable illustrates the importance of extending the same mercy we receive from God to others.
4. Why did Peter ask about forgiving up to seven times?
Peter asked if forgiving seven times was sufficient because, in Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was considered adequate. He thought he was being generous, but Jesus raised the standard significantly.
5. Does “70 times 7” mean we should keep track of how often we forgive?
No, Jesus’ point was that we shouldn’t keep a count. The idea is to forgive endlessly without limit, reflecting God’s infinite mercy.
6. How can I practice forgiving others continuously?
Here are a few steps:
- Reflect on the immense forgiveness you’ve received from God.
- Avoid keeping a record of wrongs.
- Cultivate understanding and compassion for others.
- Pray for strength and guidance to forgive.
- Set healthy boundaries while still extending forgiveness.
7. Is forgiving repeatedly the same as condoning harmful behavior?
No, forgiving someone doesn’t mean you approve of their actions or should allow harmful behavior to continue. It’s about releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold grudges, but you can still set boundaries to protect yourself.
8. Why is forgiveness so important in Christianity?
Forgiveness is central to Christian teaching because it reflects God’s own forgiveness of our sins. Jesus emphasizes forgiveness as a way to maintain healthy relationships and live a life free from resentment and bitterness.
9. What other Bible verses talk about forgiveness?
Some key scriptures include:
- The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:12, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
- Luke 17:3-4: Jesus instructs His disciples to forgive those who repent, even if they sin multiple times in a day.
- Ephesians 4:32: Paul encourages believers to forgive each other just as God forgives us through Christ.
10. How do I deal with the struggle to forgive repeatedly?
- Acknowledge your feelings and recognize that forgiveness can be a process.
- Seek support from friends, family, or counselors.
- Remind yourself of the freedom and peace that comes with letting go of grudges.
11. What’s the consequence of not forgiving others?
Jesus warns in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant that refusing to forgive can lead to severe repercussions, both spiritually and relationally. Holding onto bitterness can damage your emotional and spiritual well-being.
12. How does forgiving others benefit me?
Forgiving others helps you to release the burden of resentment, leading to emotional and psychological relief. It promotes healthier relationships and aligns you with God’s will, fostering inner peace.
13. Can forgiveness be partial, or does it need to be complete?
True forgiveness is complete. Holding onto a part of the grievance doesn’t allow you to fully let go and move forward. Complete forgiveness means releasing the offense entirely and not holding it against the person.
14. How do I know if I’ve truly forgiven someone?
You’ve truly forgiven when you no longer harbor resentment or desire for revenge against the person. You can remember the incident without reliving the emotional pain, and you wish well for the person who wronged you.
15. Is it possible to forgive without forgetting?
Yes, forgiving doesn’t mean you’ll forget the incident. It means you choose not to let it affect your actions and feelings towards the person. Memory might remain, but the emotional charge and desire for retribution should fade.
