“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
— Luke 17:3–4 (NLT)
Jesus never made forgiveness optional. He made it foundational.
In these few verses, Jesus reveals the heart of the gospel—mercy that flows from the Father to us, and then from us to others. It’s one of the most challenging commands He ever gave: to forgive someone not just once, but repeatedly—even seven times a day.
The Heart Behind the Words
Jesus knew something we often forget: that forgiveness isn’t just for the offender—it’s for the soul of the one who’s been offended. Unforgiveness poisons our hearts. It makes us prisoners of resentment, bitterness, and pride.
But forgiveness releases. It frees. It heals. It imitates the heart of our Father.
Forgiveness is not minimizing the offense. Notice Jesus says, “Rebuke that person.” We are not called to ignore wrong or pretend it didn’t happen. We’re called to address it in love. But once there is repentance—even if it happens again and again—Jesus says, forgive.
Forgiveness Is a Lifestyle, Not a Moment
This kind of forgiveness isn’t natural. It’s supernatural.
Most of us can forgive a single offense, especially if the person is genuinely sorry. But what if they do it again… and again… and again? That’s where we reach the end of our human ability. That’s where we need the Spirit of Jesus working within us.
Peter once asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive—thinking he was being generous when he offered “seven times.” Jesus responded, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).
In other words, don’t count. Just keep forgiving.
Forgiveness Reflects the Gospel
At the cross, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him—while they were doing it.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
If we’ve received that kind of mercy, how can we withhold it from others?
Paul echoes this truth in Ephesians 4:32:
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Our forgiveness of others is not based on how deserving they are—it’s based on how deeply we’ve been forgiven.
But What If They Hurt Me Again?
This is where the teaching of Jesus becomes most real. When someone breaks your trust or wounds your heart more than once, forgiveness can feel impossible.
But forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. And it doesn’t mean pretending there’s no pain. Forgiveness doesn’t always restore the relationship to what it was. Reconciliation requires repentance and rebuilding of trust.
What Jesus calls us to is a heart posture: to be ready to forgive every time there is genuine repentance. It may cost you. But it cost Jesus everything.
Final Thoughts
In a world quick to cancel and slow to forgive, we as followers of Christ are called to something greater. Forgiveness is not weakness—it is the strongest expression of love we can offer. It’s what makes our message credible. It’s what keeps our hearts tender. And it’s what allows us to walk in freedom.
Let’s be people who forgive—again and again.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there someone in your life who has wronged you and needs your forgiveness?
- What’s holding you back from offering that forgiveness?
- Have you experienced the joy and release of being forgiven—by God or by someone else?
Let Jesus shape your heart today. Let mercy win.
