70 x 7!
Anchor Scripture: Matthew 18:21–35
The Big Questions
- How do I forgive the same person over and over again?
- How do I put other people’s sins beside what God has done for me, so I can keep perspective and not let things get to me?
- Will God punish me if I struggle to forgive?
The Call to Forgive
God always forgives us — but when we refuse to forgive others, the enemy uses it as ammunition to hurt us. To protect ourselves, we must learn to see other people’s failings in light of who we are in Christ and what He has already done for us.
Who are you feeding from? Only God gives love in the pure form that humans can’t fully understand. Men may not grasp the idea of dying for one individual, but that’s exactly what God did out of love for us.
We need to soak in God’s love first so that we always have love to pour out. When we collect love from Him, forgiving becomes easier — we give from what we have received.
Love as Our Default
From Genesis to Malachi, Christ was promised.
From Matthew to John, Christ was manifested in the flesh.
From Acts to Revelation, Christ died, rose, and transferred power to us.
What do we owe every man? Love. That must be our default posture. We should determine in advance that nothing anyone does will offend us.
Love is not passive — it’s an active choice. As believers with the nature of God (who is love), we will inevitably walk with people who test our love 70 x 7 times.
Should forgiveness even be a debate for Christians — or should it be a standard we model for unbelievers?
Lessons from the Parable
In Matthew 18, Jesus described a servant–master relationship:
- The King offered salvation.
- The servant rejected it.
- The King in turn rejected the servant.
As believers, we are called to be unoffendable. Our actions must flow from love. And when there are issues, we need wise counsel — kings should walk with kings, servants with servants. Surround yourself with like-minded people who share God’s heart.
The enemy targets the relationships with the greatest potential. When we let unforgiveness in, it can strip away God’s hedge of protection — just as Job’s hedge was tested. Let things go quickly, or risk opening a door to deeper hurt.
Forgiveness is Non-Negotiable
We have a debt of love because we have been forgiven in advance. If someone forgives you much, you’re empowered to forgive others.
Unforgiveness is not part of your nature as a believer — it belongs to the enemy. So give it back to him, along with fear, lust, greed, anxiety, sickness, and every other baggage.
We can forgive by faith first, and let our minds catch up. Confess, “I forgive,” even when it feels impossible. If God expects such high standards from servants in Scripture, how much more His children? Forgiveness is not optional — if you’re struggling, go back to God and ask for help.
In Summary
- Deepen intimacy with God and fill your love tank.
- Leave the devil what is his — unforgiveness, fear, and every kind of baggage.
Walk in faith. Even if it feels hard to forgive, do it by faith until your emotions align.
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