“Forgiveness on Steroids”

Matthew 18: 21, 22: “’Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” This question was triggered by the previous instruction (vv. 15-20), when a hypothetical brother refused to forgive when he was asked to. Jesus’ answer to Peter is saying that this should never be the outcome. And when He says to treat the one who did not extend forgiveness as a Gentile and tax-collector, He means to pray for him until he is converted. The number of chances is not the issue; Jesus wants us to keep at it until forgiveness is offered and received.