Forgiveness

Matthew 18:22
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

It amazes me that people think Jesus, when He made statements like these, was actually expecting us to do it. Before His crucifixion Christ had to live and teach under the rule of the Law. Not Roman law, but Heavenly Law, the Ten Commandments. So, that being the case, He made it a point to use stories and examples that showed how unfulfillable the Law was for man.

This is also the reason that Christ said things like “pluck out your eye, cut off your hand, and go the extra mile.” This is why Christ used the example that simply looking at a person with lust was the same as adultery; thinking hateful thoughts about your brother was as good as murdering him. It was to illustrate to us that we couldn’t even come close to God’s holy standard. It was to put us in our place, not give us additional unattainable goals.

Back to seventy times seven. If you do the math (which I’m sure the “literalists” have) that’s 490 times. If we use this logic, if we use Christ’s teaching as a literal rule, then once you forgive someone 490 times you’re done forgiving them. Is that the case; is that what He was saying? Certainly not! The truth is that none of us will ever forgive a friend or brother 490 times. Once, twice, three times maybe, but that’s about it. We’re likely to not even make it to the original standard of simply seven! Truthfully, some of us won’t forgive once! And, while we’re on that topic, Jesus alludes at the end of His parable, to what will happen to those who don’t forgive.

We are never going to be able to live into the standards that God has set before us. This is why we have Jesus. He is the only One who can meet all the expectations. In fact, He is the only One who exceeds all the expectations! How many times has Jesus forgiven you? How about me? I’m sure that it’s already far surpassed the 490 mark, and He continues to forgive me. Moment by moment, day by day, whether I ask or not, Jesus Christ forgives and forgives and forgives. This is His nature.

If you’re struggling with forgiveness, think about Jesus. Don’t think about the rule that you must forgive “X” amount of times. Meditate on the truth that Jesus has infinitely forgiven you. In doing this, you’ll realize how great His love is for you. It will be His forgiveness in your life that will effortlessly allow you to forgive another. It will be His grace that works in you and through you to forgive those who you couldn’t forgive before.