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Matthew 18:21-22
In Matthew 18:21, the Apostle Peter steps up to show his heart of forgiveness as he asks a question of Jesus as to how many times he should forgive his brother who sins against him. He reaches out and asks Jesus, “Up to seven times?” (NKJV). This, by most would have shown an extra-ordinarily forgiving attitude, but Jesus, in His desire to teach forgiveness for all sins, corrects Peter by multiplying the number of times forgiveness should be offered. In Jesus’ reply, as stated in Matthew 18:22 are these words of instruction, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” These instructions, however, are not intended to teach one to continue sinning against another, but that a heart of forgiveness is to be taken by those who desire to be disciples of Jesus.
This is a command to be forgiving of others as Jesus is forgiving of all who will come to Him and ask with a repentant heart.
There is some conflict in this teaching as the question arises, “If one continues to sin against you, it shows a heart that is not repentant or sincere in the actions, so, should that one continue to be forgiven?” The focus of the teaching is not about the sinning, but the forgiving. We all continue to fall to sin even after we have been saved; it is the fault of the sinful nature that continues to work against our salvation. We all should know that Jesus is faithful to forgive us when we fall as He saved us and knows that we are not perfect, but He died for all our sins, past, present, and future, and He will continue to have forgiveness for us when we fall. We too, are to emulate the heart of Jesus to those who sin against us. We should not put ourselves in a position to be abused by others and continue allowing it – that is a whole different topic, but we are to exhibit a heart of forgiveness as Christ Jesus forgave us.
Dear LORD,
Thank You for teaching us about forgiving others, and that we should reflect the heart of Jesus in forgiving others as He has forgiven us and died to pay the price for the sins of the world so that all who believe in Him may be forgiven unto everlasting life. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.