Matthew 18:21-22

Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV): “21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.“

Forgiveness is not about a number but a heart posture. Those who have been forgiven much forgive much.

Ancient rabbis taught that you only had to forgive a person three times. Peter then asked Jesus if forgiving seven times was enough, thinking he was being generous. Jesus replied, “Seventy times seven,” or 490 times. He wasn’t assigning a number to forgiveness. Interestingly, 490 is associated with the Hebrew word tamim, meaning “complete,” “perfect,” or “whole.” The point is that forgiveness should be complete and continual. Jesus was simply saying that we must always forgive.

Is forgiveness difficult for you? The easiest way to forgive others is to remember how much God has forgiven you. That perspective puts your heart in a posture of grace. Don’t follow your feelings—choose to forgive. Remember, forgiveness is not a suggestion; it’s a command.

Father, thank You for forgiving us again and again. Help us to extend that same grace to others. Give us hearts that are quick to forgive and reflect Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.