Seventy Times Seven

Forgiveness is not something that comes easily to most of us. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, asked him one day, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?” Trying to appear magnanimous he added, “Up to seven times?”

Peter seemed to have a gift for saying outlandish things, but Jesus liked to turn Peter’s words into teaching opportunities. This time Jesus shocked everyone by answering, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”

Jesus was saying that as his followers we are to keep forgiving limitless times. Peter and all those listening were stunned by his words. Once again Jesus was demonstrating that his way was a new way. Through Jesus, God offers us total and infinite forgiveness and that’s how we are to forgive each other. 

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