A devotional on how often to forgive starts with Peter’s question in Matthew 18:21-22. He asked whether forgiving a brother seven times would be enough. Jesus answered, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Forgiveness in God’s kingdom does not keep score.
Key Verse
“Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:22, ESV)
Peter Thought He Was Generous
Some teachers of Peter’s day suggested forgiving someone three times. Peter doubled that and added one. Seven was a number of completeness. He probably expected Jesus to praise him.
Instead Jesus multiplied it. Seventy-seven times was a way of saying, stop counting.
Why Forgive So Much?
Jesus explained with a story. A servant owed a king an impossibly huge debt. He begged for time, and the king, moved with pity, canceled the entire debt. Then that same servant found someone who owed him a small amount and choked him, demanding payment.
When the king heard, he was furious. How could someone forgiven so much refuse to forgive so little?
Forgiven People Forgive
The point is clear. We have been forgiven a debt we could never repay. Our forgiveness of others flows from God’s forgiveness of us. Refusing to forgive shows we have forgotten how much mercy we received.
That does not make forgiveness easy. Some hurts are deep. Forgiveness may be a decision we make again and again as the pain resurfaces.
What Forgiveness Is Not
Forgiving does not mean pretending the wrong was small. It does not mean trusting someone who is unsafe, or removing consequences, or staying silent about abuse. You can forgive and still set boundaries, involve authorities, or keep distance.
Forgiveness means releasing the debt to God and giving up the right to repay. Reconciliation is a separate step that requires repentance and safety.
Help to Forgive
If you are struggling to forgive a deep hurt, you are not alone. Pray honestly, talk with a pastor or counselor, and give yourself time. If you are in danger or being harmed, please reach out to a trusted person or local help right away.
Forgiveness is often a process rather than a single moment. You may need to forgive the same hurt again when the memory returns. Each time, you hand the debt back to God and choose not to collect it yourself.
Today, Try This
Think of one person you are still keeping score with. Each time you remember the hurt this week, pray, Lord, I release this debt to you, and ask God to bless them.
Reflection Question
Is there someone you have stopped forgiving because you think they have used up their chances?
Prayer
Lord, you have forgiven me more than I could ever repay. Soften my heart toward those who wrong me. Help me stop keeping score, release my hurts to you, and set wise boundaries where I need them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 18:21-22 mean?
In Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV), Peter asks if forgiving seven times is enough, and Jesus answers seventy-seven times. He means believers should forgive without limit, as God has forgiven them.
Is it seventy times seven or seventy-seven times?
The ESV translates Jesus’ answer as seventy-seven times, while some versions say seventy times seven. Either way, the meaning is limitless forgiveness.
Do I have to keep trusting someone I forgive?
No. Forgiveness releases the debt, but trust must be rebuilt. You can forgive and still maintain boundaries, especially when someone is unsafe or unrepentant.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about forgiveness
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: our devotional: Devotional on Betrayal
- Related: Devotional on Bitterness (devotional)
- Related: Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Meaning
- Related: Devotional on Forgiving Others