Scripture: “Then Peter came to Him and said, “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.” Matthew 18:21-22
Reflection: Jesus wasn’t giving Peter a math problem to solve—He was revealing the posture of a transformed heart. The point wasn’t to keep count to 490. The point was that forgiveness in the Kingdom of God is not meant to have a limit. Forgiveness is hard because pain is real. Betrayal cuts deeply. Harsh words linger. Offenses can exhaust us. Yet Jesus calls us to forgive not because others always deserve it, but because we ourselves have been forgiven endlessly by Him. Every day, we come to God needing grace again. And every day, He gives it freely.
Forgiveness does not always mean trust is instantly restored, nor does it mean allowing harmful behavior to continue. But it does mean refusing to let bitterness take root in our hearts. It means surrendering our flesh to want revenge and instead placing justice into God’s hands for His will to be done. Sometimes forgiving someone feels impossible. But God never asks us to do it in our own strength. The same mercy He pours onto us is the mercy He empowers us to give away.
Today, ask the Lord if there is anyone you’ve been keeping score against. Then remember, Jesus never kept score against you.
Prayer: Lord, forgiveness is not always easy, especially when wounds run deep. But thank You for the endless mercy You’ve shown me. Help me release any bitterness, lay down any offense, and forgive the way You forgive me. Soften my heart, Lord. Create in me a pure heart that reflects Your grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.