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-seven times.’
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
Forgiveness, a cornerstone of our faith, holds immense transformative power.
In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone. Peter thinks he’s being generous by suggesting seven times. But Jesus blows that out of the water by saying seventy-seven times. He’s telling us that forgiveness should be limitless.
Consider what our communities would look like if forgiveness were hard to come by. We’d be full of grudges, resentment, and bitterness, which would tear us apart. But if we ground ourselves in forgiveness, we find peace, unity, and the strength to move forward together. Forgiveness is the glue that keeps our relationships intact, helping us move past mistakes and grow closer.
Take the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 45. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. If anyone had a right to hold a grudge, it was him. But when he finally reunited with them in Egypt, he forgave them. This act didn’t just mend their relationship—it saved their whole family. Joseph’s forgiveness set the stage for healing and reconciliation.
But let’s be real: forgiveness isn’t easy. It means letting go of our desire for revenge and the pain others have caused us. It takes a lot of humility and grace—things only God can help us with. Jesus telling Peter to forgive seventy-seven times shows us that forgiveness isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s something we have to keep doing over and over.
In any community, we’re bound to hurt each other occasionally. But Jesus calls us to forgive repeatedly, just like He forgives us. This creates an environment where people feel safe, loved, and ready to grow. When forgiveness is part of our daily lives, we build a strong foundation for our communities.
Holding onto unforgiveness can mess with us. It leads to bitterness and anger, which eats away at our peace. But when we forgive, we free ourselves from these negative feelings and open up to God’s healing. It allows us to experience His love and share it with others fully.
Max Lucado nailed it when he said, “Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner.” This reminds us that forgiving others isn’t just about them—it’s about freeing ourselves, too. When we forgive, we let go of the bitterness and embrace the freedom Jesus offers.
So, think about your relationships. Are there any grudges you’re holding onto? Jesus’ command to forgive repeatedly challenges us to look at our hearts and take active steps toward reconciliation. Through this ongoing act of forgiveness, we build and maintain strong, healthy community bonds.
As we reflect on Matthew 18:21-22, let’s make forgiveness a core part of our lives. Remember, our Heavenly Father has forgiven us so much, and we’re called to extend that same forgiveness to others. This will strengthen our relationships and draw us closer to God.
Godseekers, let’s take on the challenge of forgiveness. Let’s forgive as Christ forgives us, creating communities filled with love, unity, and grace. When we do this, we reflect Jesus’ character and build a foundation of forgiveness that can withstand any storm.
Prayer
Lord, help us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Give us the strength and grace to release our hurts and to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. May our communities be marked by Your love and unity, built on the foundation of continual forgiveness. Amen.
Personal Reflection
- Are there any past hurts or grudges you must let go of? How can you begin the process of forgiveness?
- How can you foster a culture of forgiveness in your community, encouraging others to forgive as well?
Step of Faith
This week, take a moment to identify any unresolved conflicts or grudges in your life. Make a conscious decision to forgive, even if it means forgiving the same person multiple times. Reach out to someone with whom you need to reconcile and take a step toward healing and restoration. Trust that God will guide you through this process and bring peace to your heart.
