“How oft shall by brother sin against me, and I forgive him?

Mt. 18:21 [21] Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

I. Forgiveness – what it is not

Not putting the offender on “probation” Mt. 18:35 [35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses

Not – “I have forgiven, but I have not forgotten” We cannot forgive someone, then constantly remind them of their sin – holding it over their head Heb. 10:17 [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more

Forgiving those who will not repent Lk. 17:3 [3] Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him If a brother will not repent we must still manifest a kind and tender feeling toward him

Mt. 5:44-46 [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Rom. 12:19, 21 [19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good

II. Forgiveness – What Jesus taught

Mt. 18:22 [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven

“It is doubtful Jesus meant to restrict forgiveness to four hundred and ninety times. It is more likely he was teaching forgiveness should continue indefinitely.”

Parable on forgiveness Mt. 18:23-35 [23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which 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. [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 fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

[31] So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

[33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? [34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

The moral of the story [35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Mt. 6:12, 14, 15 [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [14] For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

III. Forgiveness – is taught in many other Scriptures

Lk. 23:34 [34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Col. 3:13 [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Mt. 7:12 [12] Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

1 Cor. 13:4 [4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind;

1 Pet. 4:8 [8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Forgiveness leads to peace Rom. 14:19 [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Acts 7:60 [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep

Mt. 18:21 [21] Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?