How often should we forgive others?

I. Definition and Importance of Forgiveness

Forgiveness, in its most basic scriptural sense, involves releasing another from the debt or wrongdoing they have committed. It is regarded throughout the Bible as essential for personal well-being and spiritual growth. By setting aside resentment and granting pardon, one aligns with the biblical mandate to reflect the character of God, who freely offers forgiveness to humanity.

While the concept of forgiveness appears in various cultural and religious contexts, the biblical teaching presents a uniquely transformative principle: an ongoing readiness to show mercy. This biblical stance underscores a limitless approach to forgiving, a position strongly emphasized in the teachings of Jesus.

II. Foundational Biblical Basis

In Matthew 18:21–22, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus replies, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!” This teaching clarifies that believers are called to forgive repeatedly, extending grace beyond the standard norms of the day.

Elsewhere, in Luke 17:3–4, Jesus insists that if a brother sins and repents seven times in a day, each time believers are to forgive. These passages highlight the boundless quality of biblical forgiveness.

III. Old Testament Roots and Illustrations

1. Joseph’s Example (Genesis 50:19–21): Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery, asserting, “Do not be afraid… You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” Joseph’s response reflects a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and a willingness to extend mercy, laying the groundwork for New Testament teachings on the subject.

2. Sacrificial System as a Foreshadowing: Throughout the Old Testament, the animal sacrifices pointed to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. In Leviticus, one sees repeatedly how God’s provision for forgiveness anticipates the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 1:29). This unfolding narrative sets the stage for understanding why believers are expected to forgive: they have themselves been recipients of divine mercy.

IV. Jesus’ Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18:23–35 provides a detailed parable illustrating the extravagant forgiveness God grants and the corresponding requirement that believers forgive others. The servant who was forgiven an enormous debt yet refused to forgive a comparatively small debt from a fellow servant was condemned.

Jesus concludes with the warning that if believers do not forgive from the heart, they should not expect God to deal favorably with them in judgment. This parable underscores the principle that the measure of forgiveness believers receive from God is connected to the forgiveness they extend to others.

V. Apostolic Teaching and Practical Application

1. Paul’s Exhortations: Colossians 3:13 commands, “Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Here Paul anchors human willingness to forgive in the redemptive act of Christ’s forgiveness.

2. Reconciliation and Unity: Ephesians 4:32 urges believers, “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” This sets the tone for Christian relationships, fostering a community where reconciliation is prioritized.

3. Practical Outworking: Although Scripture does not advocate enabling harmful behaviors, it does affirm a call to maintain a heart posture ready to forgive. This readiness transforms relationships, cultivates humility, and safeguards against bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).

VI. How Often to Forgive: The Seventy-Seven (or Seventy Times Seven) Principle

The question “How often should we forgive?” finds its clearest answer in Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:21–22. While some translations phrase it as “seventy times seven,” the Berean Standard Bible states “seventy-seven times,” each teaching the principle of unending forgiveness. It is not about reaching a threshold; rather, it is an unlimited number—believers should continue to forgive whenever sincerely asked (or whenever necessary to release bitterness), modeling Christ’s infinite mercy.

VII. Dealing with Common Objections

1. “Too Many Offenses to Forgive”: Scripture stresses that no offense should be deemed too great to forgive in the light of God’s forgiveness of our innumerable sins. The parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35) addresses this concern directly.

2. “It Encourages Wrongdoing”: Forgiveness does not equate to condoning sin or dismissing consequences. Personal boundaries and legitimate discipline (Matthew 18:15–17) remain valid. However, believers are still guided to renounce vengeful attitudes, allowing God’s justice to prevail.

3. “Forgiveness Is Weakness”: Forgiving is not a sign of weakness; rather, it testifies to strength of character and conformity to Christ. It takes resolve and love to release resentment, mirroring God’s compassions (Micah 7:18–19).

VIII. Historical and Cultural Context

1. Jewish Tradition: The rabbinic tradition of Jesus’ day often held that forgiving three times was adequate. By answering seventy-seven times, Jesus both surpasses and redefines customary standards, inaugurating a uniquely higher ethic.

2. Manuscript Reliability: Core texts addressing forgiveness, such as Matthew and Luke, are well attested in ancient manuscript evidence including Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus. These manuscripts—verified by textual critics—support the integrity of the New Testament passages. Furthermore, the Dead Sea Scrolls and related Old Testament manuscripts corroborate the consistency of Scripture’s message of covenantal mercy.

3. Archaeological Support: Archaeological finds in Galilee and Judea underscore the historical reliability of the Gospels’ setting. Sites mentioned in these teachings—such as Capernaum and the Temple area in Jerusalem—have been unearthed, lending credibility to the narratives in which Jesus taught about forgiveness.

IX. Behavioral and Philosophical Considerations

From a behavioral perspective, regularly exercising forgiveness promotes emotional health, reduces stress, and fosters community cohesion. Philosophically, the principle of forgiveness acknowledges human limitations and the necessity of divine mercy—reflecting a moral law that humanity alone cannot perfect but can participate in through reliance on God’s grace.

X. Conclusion

The Bible consistently affirms that forgiveness should be extended without limit, mirroring God’s immeasurable mercy toward humankind. The scriptural imperative includes not merely an internal attitude but an active expression of pardon. It calls believers to let go of grudges, to stand ready to reconcile if the other party desires, and to trust God’s sovereignty in all outcomes.

By taking Jesus’ “seventy-seven times” teaching seriously and practicing this in daily life, believers honor the core of the gospel message, embody its transformative power, and uphold the unity and love that are hallmarks of the faith. “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13) stands as the definitive biblical guide, urging a constant, compassionate readiness to release others—and oneself—from the destructive hold of unforgiveness.