Forgiveness Is FreedomSample

Unlimited?!

On the surface, today’s guiding verse can be challenging to understand. The thought that God might not forgive some of our sins is quite unnerving.

Thankfully, the Apostle Peter's interaction with Jesus in Matthew 18 helps us understand the heart of forgiveness. In his humanity, Peter posed the question to Jesus most of us would probably be too afraid to ask. “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” Peter wondered the same thing we all do from time to time: Lord, how long do I have to keep putting up with this person?

Peter thought for sure Jesus would let him off the hook because, surely, there must be a limit to how many times someone should forgive others. To Peter's surprise, Jesus answered the question with a big number: “seventy times seven.” In the Hebrew language, the number 490 represents something complete or perfect. It also gives us a picture of something being infinite. In other words, Jesus said Peter's forgiveness should be infinite in nature. Unlimited! Just as God's forgiveness toward us is unlimited, Peter was admonished to do the same.

God is serious about forgiveness. Refusing to forgive someone who has hurt us negatively impacts our relationship with them and, more importantly, obstructs our relationship with God. Let's choose to forgive others quickly and completely and remove what hinders our connection to others and to God.

As you engage with God’s word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.