'Heaven's Seven' - Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to [Jesus] and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?"
"No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!"


—Matthew 18:21-22 NLT

Key Thought​

Like so many of us do, Peter wants to know the limits of the Lord's demand for radical forgiveness. While by human standards Peter's "seven times" principle is quite generous, to even ask for a limit to forgiveness in Jesus' Kingdom is to reveal that a person's mind is still dominated by worldly thinking. Heavenly thinking means going to a cross and forgiving your crucifixion executioners!

Jesus takes the heavenly number of seven and multiplies it by a number that is much greater, not to give an actual numerical limit but to stress that we are to forgive as we have been forgiven and want to be forgiven. In the Father's Kingdom family, the children must forgive like the Father!

Today's Prayer​

Lord God, soften my heart and give me a more forgiving spirit. I don't want to be miserly with grace or vindictive in judgment with those who need my forgiveness. You have so graciously blessed me in Jesus; I want to reflect that grace in my relationship with others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Matthew 6:12-15
• Luke 17:1-4
• Ephesians 4:32

---

Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Continue reading...

 

[Tricia]

I will forgive seventy times seven to those who did wrong things to me.

 

[Steven Bobb]

That adds up to 490. But the question becomes, if over a period of years someones wrongs add up to past that nunmber, then can we hold a grudge?

 

[Tanner]

That adds up to 490. But the question becomes, if over a period of years someones wrongs add up to past that nunmber, then can we hold a grudge?

Yes, we can add a grudge. Anything that has caused us anger or pain in our heart should be forgiven. Jesus, full of mercy and kindness to all said this. Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they do. We must follow His example of deep love for lost souls.

 

[Rizakar]

I know the Lord has had to deal with me about forgiving Joe Biden and this whole administration for the mistakes they have been making that caused the deaths of so many brave soldiers and so many more that being from a foreign nation more than likely did not ever have a chance to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I just am so thankful to know Jesus and to have been born in America and I pray and feel such an urgency to witness to others as I never have before and not ever ever limit my forgiveness for anyone in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.