Seventy times seven

"Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Then Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" Jesus illustrates this point with a story about debt. It is unlikely that the servants intended to get into such bondage that would cost them their families and their freedom. This story is a single incident showing that we should forgive since we have been forgiven a greater debt and any and all debts owed us pales in comparison. Yet, as I consider this 490 occurrences of what appears to be the same transgression I wonder what would that be like?

Most illustrations of this concept involve intentional sin. Something like: a friend who keeps gossiping about you or something like that. I'm not sure anyone would actually continue to expose themselves to that type of thing. We may "forgive" but not trust the person again. I love that God forgets our iniquities and remembers them no more. Ah but for that Divine Nature we so lack.

How about this? If the unforgiving servant didn't intend to get into debt maybe the issue is unintentional sin that is due to immaturity? A friend, relative, spouse or child who continues to rub you the wrong way or do something that hurts you but is relatively unaware of it. Here is an opportunity to see the need to forgive that many times for a similar offense. This type of relationship is not one that can be set aside or avoided. A change in personality, character or lasting behavior is not easily accomplished with simply communicating a desire. Therefore, it becomes necessary to extend such grace so often in order to maintain the relationship. "But He gives more grace." (james 4:6) This is supernatural and comes with humility. The unforgiving servant should have been humbled by his experience of grace. We should be humbled with the grace extended to us-both at the Cross and through the brethren. Let us not forget, as the unforgiving servant forgot, the mercy and grace given to us. Let us remember to pass on this grace as the need arises.


What happens when we forgive? Not simply a matter of forbearance, but taking supernatural grace and applying it as a bandage to a bleeding wound? Strength and healing takes place. The heart of the offended is healed and strengthened in the Lord. It becomes less susceptible to damage and the response of the gracious heart hastens the maturity and repentance of the offender.

Rom 2:4 says "Or do you despise the riches of his suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance." Suffering wrong equates to riches. CH 8:18 'for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Suffering is the road to glory. Our suffering at the hands of a loved one may lead to their growth and benefit if we endure it with grace and love. And for the one who is suffering? They grow in their personal experience of Christ. Phil 3:10 'that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.'

Want to grow in grace? Forgive seventy times seven.