Forgiveness in the Bible: Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'. Matthew 18:22
Published on HivePostify by @bernie2002xp · Wed Jul 08 2026
Jesus, as recounted in the gospels, taught the importance of forgiving other people's sins. And this is because whoever learns to forgive his neighbor learns to educate his heart. Spirituality is not an easy path, and forgiveness is a great test, and Jesus knew a lot about this. And the Gospel of Matthew gives a special account of this issue when Jesus was teaching in Capernaum: "Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'" Matthew 18:21-22. And the theme of forgiving one's neighbor as Jesus taught to Peter is framed within something more important, which is the commandment of love. This is why, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus wisely gave the following teaching: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:44-45. Jesus taught to love to the very end, the unconditional love does not take into account the wrong received. That is why when Peter, the most important disciple of Jesus, asked how many times he should forgive his brothers and sisters, and put the number 7 times, Jesus told him up to seventy-seven times. In short, Jesus taught that we should always be willing to forgive, to hope that our neighbor will reflect and wholeheartedly decide to change his ways. Otherwise, men only cultivate resentment and revenge within themselves, which are the opposite of the Kingdom of God, the dominion or empire of the divine perfections. Following the path of Jesus is therefore following a very special path that consists of taking care of one's own thoughts, words, and actions. Because in a world given over to sin and selfishness, provocations are commonplace, and whoever gives in to passions like envy and resentment puts their life at risk. Forgiveness and humility are the path to true life, and this is the fundamental teaching of Jesus, a teaching that Jesus gave to Peter.
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Tags: #seven#forgiveness#bible#jesus#times