Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Seven times forgiving the same person in a single day will obviously bring into question the offender’s sincerity, for no one likes to be taken for granted, or worse yet, abused for their kindness and long-suffering, especially if it seems as if the offender is doing it willfully, or just doing it for spite. Thus, in order to bring some clarity to the matter in question, Jesus spoke the following parable, which we will use as our springboard to better understand the nature of forgiveness, and issues pertaining to indebtedness. And hopefully, it would help us grasp, the extent to which God forgives us and by example, how we too should also forgive others.
Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Matthew 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that you owe. 29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Matthew 18:30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!