Skip to content

Redirecting Our Focus to Boundless Forgiveness

January 20, 2025

By Andrew Williams

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT): “Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!'”

Good morning fellow disciples.

In this passage, Peter approaches Jesus with a question about forgiveness, suggesting a generous limit of seven times. In Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was considered sufficient, so Peter’s suggestion likely felt magnanimous to him. However, Jesus’ response shatters this limited perspective. By saying “seventy times seven,” Jesus is not giving a literal number but is teaching that forgiveness should have no limits. It’s not about keeping count but about embodying a heart of continual grace, reflecting the boundless forgiveness we receive from God.

Jesus redirects Peter’s focus from a legalistic approach to forgiveness to a kingdom mindset where forgiveness flows freely and repeatedly. This teaching challenges our human tendency to measure and ration grace, reminding us that God calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven—without condition or end.

Peter’s question reveals a heart that is still learning the depth of God’s grace. He seeks clarity, perhaps hoping for a manageable standard, but Jesus calls him to a higher way of living. This moment is pivotal for Peter as a disciple, as it teaches him that following Jesus requires a heart transformed by divine love—a heart willing to forgive endlessly.

Like Peter, we often want to place limits on forgiveness, especially when we’ve been hurt deeply. But Jesus patiently redirects our focus to the cross, where we find the ultimate example of forgiveness. As disciples, we are empowered to forgive because we have been forgiven. Just as Peter grew in understanding and grace, we too can grow when we allow Jesus to reshape our hearts.

Take a moment today to reflect on anyone you might be struggling to forgive. Are you holding on to an offense, keeping a mental count of wrongs done to you? Redirect your focus to Jesus’ teaching and the forgiveness you have received through Him.

This week, commit to practicing boundless forgiveness. Begin by praying for the person who has hurt you, asking God to soften your heart toward them. Then, take a step of grace—whether it’s letting go of the offense in your heart, reaching out to reconcile, or simply releasing the burden to God. Remember, forgiveness is not about condoning wrong but about freeing your heart to live in the unmeasured grace of God.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the forgiveness You continually offer me, even when I fall short. I confess that I often struggle to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Today, I choose to redirect my focus to Your example of boundless grace. Help me, Lord, to let go of any bitterness or resentment I am holding on to. Teach me to forgive without limits, trusting in Your strength to heal my heart. May my life reflect the love and mercy You have shown me. I commit to living as a disciple who forgives freely and loves deeply. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Verified by MonsterInsights