Mathew 18: 22; Luke 17:4. Peter asking Jesus how many times should he forgive someone.
I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
This was spoken by Jesus toward the end of His earthly Ministry. Jesus had been teaching His followers about forgiving one another. The Rabbis at the time (the religious teachers of the day) were teaching that it was only necessary to forgive up to three times each offense. Peter trying to show Jesus he was more pious (more holy) than the Rabbis, asked Jesus if seven times per offense was good enough. Peter totally missed the point of forgiveness, it is not about how many times, you forgive, it is about forgiving, period! God commands us to forgive our neighbors (everyone) always. We are to do this as remembrance that God forgives us! So don't calculate how much 70 times 7 is and then use that number for how many offenses you will forgive before you stop. The whole point is there is no stopping to the forgiveness, this is the teaching. God is the judge, not us. But what if the offense is not against you, but against God alone? Are we to just ignore it like it is not happening? Jesus calls us to come along side a weaker brother and try to correct them in love. How would you correct without looking like you are judging? These are questions I am struggling with myself. When I receive the answer I will advise you.
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