Forgiven & Forgiving

Peter, one of Jesus' followers, asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" Peter's suggestion of seven times was extremely generous, considering that within the cultural norms of that time, three times was sufficient to show a forgiving spirit. But Jesus replied, "No, not seven times... but seventy times seven!" (Matthew 18:21-22).

Jesus is not telling us to start counting the wrongs done to us. Rather, He is telling us to do the very opposite—to forgive without keeping count! Is this practical? Is this realistic? Is this fair? How is this kind of forgiveness even possible?

These selections from Our Daily Bread are intended to encourage and instruct you. Besides devotional materials, Our Daily Bread Ministries also publishes many other biblical resources that direct readers to the wisdom of God's life-changing words.