Until Seventy Times Seven
Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive someone. Surely if we forgave someone seven, eight, or even ten times when they had wronged us, then we would be justified in retaliation. No, Jesus said we should forgive “until seventy-times seven”. By saying this, he didn’t mean we had to forgive exactly 490 times. He meant that we should always forgive.
Jesus told Peter a parable about a king who was owed a debt. The man who owed the debt was about to be cast into prison, but the king had mercy on him, and let him go free. Not long after, the man was angry with someone who also owed him money, and had his debtor cast into prison. When the king heard what had happened, he told the man that he would not forgive him if he refused to forgive others. Heavenly Father loves us and forgives us as we turn our trust to Him. He invites us to return that graciousness to others and forgive in the same way.
Jesus later taught the parable of the good Samaritan. A man from Jerusalem fell among thieves and was seriously wounded. A priest and a Levite both passed him by, but a Samaritan stopped to help. The Samaritan took care of the man and found him shelter, even though Jews and Samaritans didn’t usually like each other.
It’s important to look past one another’s faults and realize that we are all children of God. We should love, forgive, and help each other.
Guest Author
dyejo
