Read Matthew 18:21-22 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What does Peter ask Jesus?
2. How many times does he think is sufficient?
3. What does Jesus respond with?
Reflect
The Jewish teachers instructed that forgiving someone was important, but only up to three times. When Peter asked Jesus about this, he offered seven times, likely imagining himself generous. In Scripture, the number seven represents completion. But Jesus’ response – a command to go far beyond completion – teaches that believers shouldn’t keep score of how many times they forgive someone.
God has forgiven us of all our sins, and He enables us to extend that forgiveness to others, too. If an attitude of contempt and an unwillingness to forgive leads to the death of intimacy, then the hope of intimacy is forgiveness. However, forgiveness and trust are different; forgiving someone doesn’t equate to restoring trust.
If you’ve been hurt by a loved one, know that Scripture doesn’t command you to trust someone not proven trustworthy. And if you’ve hurt someone else, know that trust may never be restored. But God is a redeemer, so let your ultimate hope be in the mercy and grace He lavishes on you when you trust in Him. Where others may fail and you fall short, God is perfectly trustworthy, unchanging, and faithful.
Respond
How does your trust in your closest relationships compare to your trust in God? What about God’s character enables you to trust Him? Is there someone you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness? What step can you take toward that this week?