Biblical forgiveness is not like the express checkout at your local grocery store—maximum 15 items. Instead, God calls you to forgive and forgive and forgive and forgive, followed by more forgiveness, after which comes additional forgiveness, which … well, you get the point. Biblical forgiveness is without limit.
Peter had an express-lane mentality when he asked, “‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:21,22). There is some debate whether Jesus’ original words should be translated “77” or “70 times 7,” but the point of Jesus’ hyperbole is the same: “Peter, stop counting. Just keep forgiving.”
We might give a sinner a second chance or a third strike, but God pushes us to forgive much, much more. Vengeance is never a Christian option, no matter how serial the sinner. The day will never come when God says, “Now you can get them back!”
Why would Jesus push us to such extremes? Because his forgiveness for us would be just as extreme. At the cross, Jesus didn’t cover your first 7 sins or your first 77 sins but instead removed every last trace of your sinfulness. Even that sin you have struggled with your whole life. Even that habit you hate but so often find yourself flirting with. The blood of Jesus covers a multitude of sins!
Thank God for the limitless forgiveness of our Savior!
