SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN
"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." — Matthew 18:21-22
FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the most courageous acts a human soul can embrace. To release the offense, to loosen the grip of bitterness, to bless those who wounded you—this is the high calling of Christ. In a world that teaches retaliation, Jesus teaches restoration. In a culture of keeping score, the Kingdom of God calls us to keep no record of wrongs. Forgiveness isn’t forgetting—it’s choosing love over revenge, peace over pain, freedom over bondage. And when we forgive, we don’t lose power—we gain it. We align our hearts with the very heart of God, who has forgiven us far more than we could ever be asked to forgive another.
PARABLES
Jesus never shied away from telling stories that struck nerves and unsettled comfort. In the parable of the Unforgiving Servant, He opens a window into the soul—a canvas painted with mercy and betrayal, grace received and grace withheld. It begins with a man drowning in debt, the weight of his obligation crushing him like an ocean pressing against a paper boat. He begs for mercy, and against all reason, the king grants it—erasing every coin, every weight, every failure. But mercy, when held rather than shared, curdles. That same servant, freshly pardoned, grips the throat of a peer over a petty sum and demands payment. The echo is chilling: how easily we forget the waterfall of grace we’ve stood under when asked to release a single drop for someone else.
This parable is not just a lesson—it is a mirror. We are the servant forgiven much. Our ledgers, thick with transgressions, were stamped “Paid in Full” by a God who bled love from a cross. And yet, how quickly we clutch the offenses of others like stones in our pockets—refusing to release, to heal, to let go. Bitterness is a poison we sip expecting others to suffer. But forgiveness is the key that unlocks not only the cell of our offender—but the chains around our own soul. Jesus does not ask us to forgive to make light of sin, but to bring light to our hearts.
CORRIE TEN BOOM
Few stories embody this radiant release more than that of Corrie ten Boom. A woman forged in the crucible of war, she bore the scars of injustice—her family torn, her body broken in a Nazi concentration camp. And yet, when one of her former tormentors extended a trembling hand and asked for forgiveness, she froze in a storm of pain and memory. Everything within her recoiled. But then came a whisper—not from her strength, but from God’s. She lifted her hand. Forgiveness flowed not as emotion but as obedience, not as ease but as power. In that moment, the Gospel became flesh again. Corrie’s story reminds us: the hardest forgiveness is the holiest, and when we forgive, we do not excuse evil—we declare that evil no longer owns us.
NELSON MANDELA
Nelson Mandela once stepped through the gates of Robben Island not just as a free man, but as a living paradox—one who had been unjustly imprisoned for 27 years, yet bore no grudge in his stride. The world expected bitterness, but what emerged was something far more revolutionary: grace. Mandela understood that to cling to resentment is to remain a prisoner even outside the cell. Forgiveness, he believed, was the only bridge strong enough to span the chasm between oppression and peace. His decision to forgive his captors was not weakness, but strength in its most defiant form—a force powerful enough to heal a nation fractured by decades of hatred.
UNCHAIN YOUR WOUNDS
The parable of the Unforgiving Servant—and the lives of people like Mandela—invite us to ask the hardest questions of our own hearts. Who have we chained to the walls of our memory with silent resentment? Who walks through the corridors of our thoughts, not as people, but as wounds? Forgiveness doesn’t pretend the pain didn’t happen; it simply declares the pain no longer gets to define us. When we release those who have wronged us, we do more than set them free—we unshackle ourselves from the corrosive grip of bitterness. Forgiveness is not the closing of a wound, but the decision to stop picking at the scab and allow healing to begin.
WILL YOU RELEASE YOUR WOUNDS?
So, what would it look like for you to forgive today? Not in theory, not in distant hope, but in action. Maybe it starts with a whispered prayer. Maybe it’s a phone call, or a letter written through trembling hands. Maybe it’s asking God for the strength to take the first step. Because forgiveness isn’t just about what happened in the past—it’s about what kind of future you want to build. It is the key that opens the door to peace, the balm that softens hardened hearts, and the light that points a hurting world back to the love of Christ.
A PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS
Father, teach my heart to count higher—not in offense, but in mercy. I come to You clutching wounds like stones, weary from the weight of keeping score. You forgave me more than I can fathom—debt beyond counting, nailed to a cross I did not carry. Help me now to unlock the door I’ve shut with bitterness. Give me the strength to extend grace where my pride resists, and to love where pain still echoes. Let forgiveness rise in me like morning light—slow, sure, and healing. Remind me that every time I choose grace, I walk in Your footsteps. And when I stumble, remind me again. Seventy times seven, Lord—I want to forgive like You. Amen.
GROW YOUR FAITH: COURAGE TO FORGIVE
Forgiveness is not a feeling—it’s a faith step. It takes holy boldness to hand over your hurt to God and trust Him to carry what your heart can’t hold. But when you forgive, heaven moves. The chains fall. The weight lifts. And your heart, once clenched in pain, begins to beat with grace. If you're ready to grow in the kind of faith that changes you from the inside out, begin here:
1. Write the Name, Burn the Debt
Take a blank sheet of paper and write down the name of someone who hurt you. Underneath their name, list how they hurt you—not to reopen wounds, but to lay them bare before God. Then, in bold letters, write across the bottom: “Forgiven—Paid in Full.” Pray over it. Rip it up. Burn it safely. Let this be a symbol that the debt is no longer yours to carry.
2. Speak Grace Out Loud
Each day this week, speak a blessing over someone who has wronged you. You don’t have to speak it to them directly—speak it before God. Say their name and pray, “Lord, bless them. Heal them. Show them the same mercy You’ve shown me.” The more you speak grace, the more your heart will believe it.
3. Journal the Cross
Open your journal and draw a cross. Around the cross, write the sins and failures you’ve been forgiven of—both recent and distant. As you write, reflect on how much mercy has been poured into your life. Then ask God to help you extend that same mercy to someone who needs it from you. Let the cross become the bridge from your pain to peace.
Let forgiveness become your worship, your witness, and your healing. When you live a life of radical grace, you don’t just reflect Christ—you carry Him into a world that’s starving for mercy.
SCRIPTURES ABOUT FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is heaven’s most daring act. It defies logic, disrupts bitterness, and rewrites the story of pain with the ink of grace. We live in a world that teaches us to protect, to harden, to remember every slight with surgical precision. But Jesus offers a different way—a road less traveled but wide enough for the broken and the bold. He calls us not to count offenses, but to cancel them. Not to preserve the wound, but to press balm into it. True forgiveness is not weakness; it is the very power of Christ pulsing through our hearts, setting captives free—and often, we are the first captives released. If we are to follow the footsteps of the Savior, we must learn to forgive—not once, not seven times, but seventy times seven. The following scriptures open the doorway into that sacred calling and offer a glimpse of God’s heart for mercy, healing, and the kind of love that sets the world right again:
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
In a world where grudges often feel justified, Jesus invites us into a radical realm of forgiveness. His words challenge us to let go of the chains that bind our hearts to resentment, reminding us that forgiveness is not merely a transaction but a transformative act of grace. As we reflect on this, we find comfort in knowing that God's love for us is limitless, urging us to extend that same boundless grace to others.
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
These words resonate deeply, inviting us to dismantle the walls of judgment we often erect against others. In a society quick to label and condemn, Jesus calls us to embody love and mercy, reminding us that our own forgiveness hinges on our willingness to forgive. As we embrace this truth, we can experience the liberating power of grace, allowing God's love to flow freely through us.
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Here, we are reminded of the beautiful reciprocity of grace; just as we have been forgiven, we are called to extend that same mercy to those around us. This is not a burden, but a privilege, allowing us to reflect the heart of Christ in our relationships. In moments of hurt, we can find peace in knowing that our forgiveness mirrors the divine love that has transformed our own lives.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
In this tender call to kindness, we are reminded that our hearts are meant to overflow with compassion. Forgiveness is not simply a duty; it is an expression of the love we have received from Christ. As we practice this grace, we soften the edges of our hearts, allowing God’s warmth and love to fill the spaces once occupied by bitterness and anger.
Mark 11:25
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Jesus intertwines forgiveness and prayer, revealing how our hearts must be aligned with God's love before we come to Him. This powerful reminder invites us to release our grudges, creating space for healing in both our relationships and our souls. When we forgive, we not only reflect God’s character but also unlock the door to the healing grace He desires for us.
Romans 12:19-21
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink, for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
In this passage, we are invited to rise above the instinct for revenge and instead embrace the higher calling of love. It’s a radical shift that requires divine strength, yet within it lies the secret to true freedom—letting go of our desire for retribution. As we respond to hurt with kindness, we reflect God’s heart, transforming not only our own lives but also the world around us.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
“Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.”
Forgiveness is a powerful weapon against the schemes of darkness; it disarms the enemy and restores our hearts. In this passage, we are reminded that our choices to forgive impact not just our own souls but the community of faith around us. Embracing forgiveness helps us to stand united against the challenges of life, reflecting Christ’s love in a world desperately in need of hope.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Here, we see the beautiful connection between confession, prayer, and healing—a triad of grace. When we bring our struggles to one another, we invite God’s healing presence into our lives and relationships. This vulnerability not only fosters deeper connections but also reminds us that we are never alone in our journey; we walk together in grace and forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
In these poignant words, Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not optional; it’s essential. It challenges us to consider the weight of our unforgiveness, revealing how it can hinder our relationship with God. As we choose to forgive, we step into the freedom and joy that come from knowing we are fully accepted and loved by our Creator.
Luke 17:3-4
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Jesus calls us to a radical form of community where grace abounds, even in the face of repeated offenses. This invitation to forgive is a powerful reminder that true repentance opens the door to healing and restoration. As we embrace this call, we find ourselves wrapped in God’s love, equipped to navigate the complexities of relationships with compassion and understanding.
Psalm 86:5
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.”
In this tender psalm, we are reminded that God’s nature is to forgive and love abundantly. His steadfast love invites us to approach Him with our burdens, knowing that no sin is too great to be washed away. As we reflect on His grace, we are inspired to extend that same love and forgiveness to those around us, becoming vessels of His mercy.
Isaiah 43:25
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
God’s promise to forget our sins is a beautiful testament to His grace; He chooses to release us from the weight of our past. This assurance invites us to embrace a new identity, free from shame and guilt. As we accept His forgiveness, we are empowered to extend that same grace to others, reflecting the heart of our loving Father.
Micah 7:18-19
“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
In these verses, we are met with a profound truth about God’s character—He is a God of mercy and compassion. His delight in forgiving us speaks volumes about His love and grace, inviting us to experience the depth of His kindness. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to let go of our own grudges, knowing that we are called to mirror His love in a world that desperately needs it.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This promise offers us immense hope; God’s faithfulness ensures that our confessions are met with grace. In our moments of weakness, we can approach Him boldly, knowing that He is always ready to forgive and cleanse us. As we embrace this truth, we become more equipped to forgive others, reflecting the heart of our gracious Savior.
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
God’s promise of mercy is a soothing balm for our souls, reminding us that His forgiveness is complete and final. This divine erasure of our sins speaks to the depth of His love and the lengths He goes to restore our relationship with Him. As we ponder this generous grace, we are invited to let go of our own resentments and forgive others with the same abundance we have received.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
This imagery illustrates the vastness of God’s forgiveness, reminding us that our sins are gone forever, separated from us by an immeasurable distance. It invites us to let go of guilt and shame, embracing the freedom that comes with being fully forgiven. As we accept this gift, we are empowered to forgive others, sharing the grace we have so generously received.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
In this beatitude, Jesus paints a picture of the blessed life, one marked by mercy and compassion. This call to be merciful is not just a command; it’s a promise that as we extend grace to others, we too will experience the richness of God’s mercy in our own lives. As we reflect on this, we are gently nudged to open our hearts to those in need of forgiveness, knowing that it enriches both the giver and the receiver.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
In these wise words, we are reminded of the delicate balance of relationships and the power of forgiveness. Choosing to overlook an offense is an act of love that fosters unity and connection. As we ponder this truth, we can invite God’s wisdom into our hearts, enabling us to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships grounded in grace.
John 3:17
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
God's purpose in sending Jesus was not to condemn but to save, showcasing His immense love for humanity. This truth invites us to embrace a posture of grace, reflecting the heart of our Savior in our interactions with others. As we share this message of hope, we become agents of reconciliation, drawing others into the warm embrace of God’s love.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
Here, we are called to approach one another with humility and gentleness, embodying the very nature of Christ. In moments of failure, we are not to cast stones but to extend hands of grace, seeking restoration rather than judgment. As we reflect on this, we can find peace in knowing that we are all works in progress, embraced by God’s endless love.
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
This promise reassures us that our journey toward forgiveness is ongoing, a beautiful work in progress. God is faithful to complete the transformation He has begun in us, gently guiding us to a place of healing and wholeness. As we lean into His grace, we can extend that same grace to others, trusting that He is at work in their lives as well.
Romans 5:8
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
In this profound truth, we see the depth of God’s love, a love that reached us even in our most broken state. This incredible act of grace invites us to love others with the same kind of unconditional love. As we reflect on this, we find strength to forgive, knowing that we are called to reflect the heart of Christ in a world in need of His mercy.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
This call to love earnestly is a beautiful reminder of the power of love to heal and restore. When we choose to love deeply, we create a safe space where forgiveness can flourish, allowing grace to flow freely. As we embody this love, we become reflections of Christ, illuminating the path for others to walk in His light.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
In this affirmation, we are reminded that God's spirit within us empowers us to overcome fear and embrace love. This truth emboldens us to forgive, even when it feels daunting, knowing that we have the strength of the Almighty behind us. As we lean into His love, we can navigate our relationships with grace, reflecting the beautiful light of Christ to the world around us.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God’s tender care for the brokenhearted is a balm for our souls, reminding us that we are never alone in our pain. He is actively at work, healing our wounds and restoring our spirits, inviting us to lean into His love. As we experience this healing, we are empowered to extend grace to others, becoming vessels of His compassion in a hurting world.
John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
In this assurance, Jesus reminds us that peace is found not in the absence of trouble, but in our relationship with Him. His victory over the world gives us hope and courage to face our struggles, including the challenges of forgiveness. As we rest in His peace, we can navigate the complexities of our relationships with grace and love, knowing that He has already overcome.
Forgiveness is not a suggestion—it’s a summons from the heart of God. It is the bridge between your pain and your healing, the key that unlocks prison doors you didn’t realize you were behind. Holding on to offense may feel justified, but it will never bring peace. Only forgiveness can break the cycle, soften the blow, and restore what bitterness tried to bury. So take the step today. Call the person. Pray the prayer. Release the weight. Choose mercy over memory, love over vengeance, grace over grudges. For when you forgive, you don’t just set them free—you walk free, too. This is your moment. Let grace have the final word.