Forgiveness Without a Limit

Forgiveness is one of the most difficult commands Jesus gives us, not because it is unclear, but because it cuts directly against our natural instincts. When we are wronged, our flesh wants justice, distance, or payback. Yet Jesus calls His followers to something far deeper and far more costly.

In Matthew 18:21–22, Peter comes to Jesus with what seems like a generous question. “Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times,  but up to seventy times seven’” (LSB)

Peter likely thought he was being gracious. The common Jewish teaching of the day suggested forgiving someone three times. Peter doubles that and adds one more for good measure. But Jesus responds by removing the calculator altogether. He is not increasing the limit. He is eliminating it.

Jesus is not saying we keep a literal tally up to seventy times seven. He is teaching that forgiveness in the kingdom of God is not measured. It flows from a heart that understands grace.

Forgiveness is not based on the offender’s repentance first. It is based on the believer’s understanding of what they have already received from God. In the verses that follow, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving slave, a man forgiven an unpayable debt who then refuses to forgive a small one. The warning is clear. Those who truly grasp God’s mercy will reflect it.

This does not mean forgiveness is easy. It does not mean the pain was insignificant. Forgiveness does not deny the wound. It releases the right to hold the debt over someone else. It is a decision before it is a feeling. Often the feelings follow later.

Forgiveness also does not always mean reconciliation. Trust may need to be rebuilt. Boundaries may be necessary. Forgiveness means we refuse to let bitterness take root. Hebrews warns that bitterness defiles many. Unforgiveness always spreads. It poisons our prayers, our worship, and our witness.

At the heart of Jesus’ command is this truth. We forgive because we have been forgiven far more than we will ever be asked to forgive. Every sin against us, no matter how painful, is still smaller than our sin against a holy God. Yet through Christ, our debt was fully canceled.

Forgiveness keeps us free. When we refuse to forgive, we remain chained to the offense. When we forgive, we place the matter in God’s hands and trust Him to be the just Judge.

Jesus calls His people to live marked by mercy. Not because others deserve it, but because we live under grace. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is gospel strength on display.

If there is someone you are holding at arm’s length today, bring that before the Lord. Ask Him for the grace to forgive as you have been forgiven. The same power that saved you is the power that enables you to release others.

Forgiveness has no limit because grace has no end.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Jody