How Often Should You Forgive?
Peter asked Jesus:
“Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
Jesus replied, “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven!” — Matthew 18:21-22 NLT
💡 Translation? Forgiveness isn’t a one-and-done event. It’s a repeated, intentional choice — every time the hurt resurfaces.
📜 In Jewish law, forgiving 3️⃣ times was enough. Peter offered 7️⃣ — thinking he was generous. But Jesus said, “Keep on forgiving until the pain stops.” 🙌
🔥 Here’s how:
1️⃣ Acknowledge the hurt — “God, that person really hurt me, and it still hurts.”
2️⃣ Give up your right to get even — Romans 12:19
3️⃣ Pray blessing over them — Luke 6:27-28
4️⃣ Repeat — until your heart feels free.
💔 Unforgiveness doesn’t just keep the pain alive — it can destroy relationships. Many marriages and friendships fall apart, not because of the initial hurt, but because of the refusal to forgive.
🙏 Truth Check: You won’t feel like forgiving. Nobody does. But forgiveness is an act of obedience and freedom. It’s choosing love over resentment, so you can live unchained.
📖 More Bible Fuel for Your Heart:
- Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Colossians 3:13 — “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
- Proverbs 19:11 — “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, You’ve forgiven me more than I could ever repay. Help me to release those who’ve hurt me. Give me the strength to choose blessing over bitterness, and fill my heart with Your love until the pain is gone. Amen. 💖