Forgiveness Is Bigger than a Score
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22 KJV
Peter wanted to know how often he should forgive a brother who sinned against him. Jesus' answer moved him beyond keeping a small tally of permitted offenses. Mercy was not supposed to stop when Peter felt he had filled his quota.
It is tempting to keep a quiet score with friends. We remember every forgotten invitation and every careless word. Soon we are reading new events through a list of old hurts.
Forgiveness means giving up the right to nurse revenge. It does not mean lying about what happened, instantly trusting someone who continues to harm you, or keeping bullying secret. A trusted adult can help with those situations. In ordinary disagreements, speak honestly and allow a sincere apology to matter. God's mercy toward sinners is wonderfully great. People who receive that mercy should learn to extend it without constantly reaching for the scorebook.
Bring the truth into your day
Peter asked about a limit, and Jesus directed him away from keeping a small account of forgiveness. Read the following parable to see the importance of mercy. You can refuse revenge while still telling the truth and keeping wise boundaries. Repeated bullying or harm should be reported to a responsible adult. Forgiveness is not permission for another person to continue wrongdoing without correction or consequences.
Keep the passage in context
Peter asks about repeated forgiveness. Jesus rejects a small limit on mercy, and the following parable exposes the wrong of receiving great forgiveness while withholding it from others.
Read further: Matthew 18 in the King James Bible.