Matthew 18:21-22 - King James Version
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
In reading Matthew chapter 18, we find that forgiveness is of importance to God. When Peter asked how many times we should forgive, I’m sure he was surprised when God said not the seven times he thought but seventy times seven.
We’ve often said that we are not going to keep forgiving someone over-and-over-again, and we may feel justified in the decision that we make because we think we have given them a chance to prove themselves. However, although it may seem strange, considering the offense, God has commanded us to forgive, regardless of the number of times they’ve offended us and whether or not it was the same offense.
We faced some experiences that were very hard to forgive and have hurt us to the core. But only when you choose forgiveness and no longer carry the past offense on your shoulders can you allow God to set you free.
Matthew chapter 18 explicitly tells us about the consequences of not forgiving, and I know the anger and pain that we can sometimes feel will make us forget or ignore what God has commanded us to do. But we must choose to forgive, not only for those minor offenses that didn’t matter to us anyway, but also those that keep us up at night, because we are plotting our revenge and harboring the disgust, resentment, and bitterness towards our offender.
According to the word of God, forgiveness is not an option but the key that opens the door to the peace, joy, happiness, and liberty God has waiting for you.
Father God, I send prayers up now for my brother and sister that is struggling with unforgiveness. Give them a heart and mind to forgive as you have done so many times for them. Let their spirit no longer be troubled by the remnants of unforgiveness.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.