Forgive your brother seventy times seven

This is one of the most challenging and transformative commands of Christ, pushing us beyond the limits of human accounting and into the boundless nature of divine grace.

Here is a poem on that radical call to forgiveness.

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The Unbroken Cycle

The arithmetic of the heart Says,“Count the wounds, and keep a chart. To seven times,perhaps be kind, Then justice may leave grace behind.”

But Peter’s question, wise and small, Was met with love that shatters all. A number meant to never cease, A call to an eternal peace.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

Not four-hundred and ninety, then be done, But as the waves count,one by one, That crash upon the waiting shore— Forgive,and then forgive once more.

This is the math of Heaven’s realm, Where mercy stands to overwhelm The tally of the wrongs we keep, Awake,asleep, in memories deep.

It is the echo of the plea We offer on bended knee: “Forgive us our debts,as we forgive…” The very terms on which we live.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

So break the chain of my revenge, My bitter thoughts,that seek to avenge. Let not the wound define my soul, But let Your mercy make me whole.

For You have not kept count of me, Upon the cross,You set me free. You canceled an unpayable debt— How can I offer less than that?

So let me not just count to four, And then refuse to forgive more. But let my heart,by grace, be driven To forgive seventy times seven.