Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

Matthew 18:21-22

We like to hold forgiveness back and hold our grudges close. We live in a culture that focuses on each person’s rights, and forgiveness goes against our sense of fairness. But God doesn’t call us to be fair. He calls us to forgive, to forgive the ‘undeserved’, just as He did for us. 

You may think that forgiving someone 490 times (seventy times seven) is ridiculous. If they have offended you more than a few times, you may want to walk away from that relationship. You may want to push them right out of your heart, out of your life. Until you understand that’s what Jesus does! He forgives you over and over and over again, exceedingly more than 490 times in your lifetime. And He’s expecting you to do the same. Forgiveness isn’t about a number; it’s about a heart in tune with Jesus. It’s about extending what He freely gives you to others over and over and over again. It’s showing His heart every single time. Forgiveness isn’t an event; it’s a lifestyle. 

When you accepted the forgiveness of Jesus, you gave up your rights to hold a grudge against anyone. An unforgiving heart doesn’t hurt the offender, it hurts you. It hurts your relationship with God. Let go of whatever offense is holding you captive in the dark. Jesus already unlocked that prison door when He chose nails for you. So step out into His light, and live like you’re forgiven. You are loved! 

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15