When should I forgive?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 15 & 16, p. 76
Forgiveness is a theme that echoes throughout the teachings of the Bible, and it is beautifully illustrated in Matthew 18:21-22. In this passage, we witness a poignant moment wherein a question about forgiveness is posed to Jesus by one of his disciples. The exchange not only highlights the nature of forgiveness but also expands our understanding of its boundless essence.
The passage begins with Peter approaching Jesus and asking, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Peter's question reveals a common human concern regarding the limits of forgiveness. By suggesting the number seven, Peter was likely referencing the Jewish tradition that considered forgiving someone three times as adequate. His proposal of seven, therefore, seemed generous and magnanimous.
However, Jesus' response to Peter transcends this notion of limited forgiveness. He replies, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." Jesus' answer is both astonishing and liberating, as it dismantles the restrictive boundaries we often place around forgiveness. The number seventy-seven, or in some translations seventy times seven, symbolizes an infinite capacity for forgiveness. Through these words, Jesus invites us to embrace forgiveness as an ongoing, limitless act of compassion and grace.
The significance of this passage extends beyond the numerical value mentioned. Jesus' emphasis on forgiveness exemplifies the core of his teachings on love and mercy. By advocating for unbounded forgiveness, he encourages a radical departure from the conventional approach to interpersonal relationships. Forgiveness, according to Jesus, is not a mere obligation but a transformative practice that reflects God's love and grace bestowed upon us.
Furthermore, Jesus' teachings on forgiveness resonate with his parable of the unforgiving servant, which follows in the subsequent verses of Matthew 18. This parable highlights the dire consequences of withholding forgiveness and underscores the imperative to forgive others just as we have been forgiven by God.
The question posed to Jesus regarding forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22, and his profound answer, challenges us to reconsider our approach to forgiveness. Jesus' instruction to forgive seventy-seven times or seventy times seven times signifies the limitless nature of forgiveness. It is a call to embody mercy and compassion in our daily lives, reflecting the boundless love that God extends to each of us. Through this passage, we are reminded that true forgiveness transcends numerical limitations and becomes an enduring testament to the transformative power of God's grace.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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