We continue our series on the commands of Jesus Christ.
This week, we come to a command that is closely related to love: the command to forgive.
In Matthew 18:21–22, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
This was not a literal number like what we oftentimes misinterpret as 70×7. Jesus was using exaggeration to make a point.
He was saying that forgiveness must have no limit. It is not a quota we fill. It is a posture of the heart. Forgiving without limit is not easy.
It goes against our sense of justice. But Jesus commands it not because the offender deserves it, but because we have been forgiven much.
First, forgiveness is commanded because we have been forgiven.
Jesus illustrated this truth with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35). A servant owed the king an enormous debt which is ten thousand bags of gold. A debt that he could never repay.
The king forgave him completely. But then that same servant refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a small debt.
When the king heard about it, he was furious. He handed the unforgiving servant over to be tortured.
Jesus concluded the parable with these sobering words: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
The command to forgive is rooted in the forgiveness we have already received. We have been forgiven an immeasurable debt. How can we refuse to forgive others for their smaller offenses?
Second, forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling.
Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is not about pretending the offense did not happen. It is not about trusting the offender immediately.
Forgiveness is a decision. It is releasing the offender from the debt they owe you. It is choosing not to hold their sin against them. It is leaving vengeance to God.
The feelings may follow later. But forgiveness begins with an act of the will. It is obedience to the command of Christ, even when it hurts. It is trusting that God sees and He will make all things right.
Unforgiveness is a poison that destroys the one who holds it. Forgiveness is the key to freedom.
Peter thought he was being generous by offering to forgive seven times. But Jesus raised the standard. Forgive seventy-seven times.
Without limit. Not because the offender deserves it. But because we have been forgiven by God. And we cannot call Jesus “Lord” and refuse to obey His command to forgive.
Is there someone you are holding a grudge against? Someone you refuse to forgive? Let go. Release them.
Forgive them from your heart. You are putting them in the hands of God. And you are freeing yourself from the prison of bitterness. This is the command of Christ. Obey it and find freedom. | NWI
