God's Forgiveness

I was contemplating yesterday on the ability of God to forgive people. Does God really forgive us for every sin that we commit? And does He really forgive us even if we've sinned against Him for the nth time (n being whatever possible number out there)? Doesn't He get tired of seeing us sin, say sorry, then sin again?

Matthew 18 shows us one of the most logical and reassuring proofs of God's unlimited forgiveness. In verse 21, Peter asks Jesus, "How many times do I need to forgive someone who sins against me?" Peter proceeds to make a suggestion, "Up to seven times?" If I'm not mistaken, in Jewish tradition, a person is required to forgive the one who sins against him up to three times. After the third time, that's it. He doesn't have to forgive him anymore. In Peter's suggestion, he plays it safe by doubling the required amount and then adding one more bringing the total to seven. Jesus gives a profound response in verse 22, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Jesus isn't being literal here. He's not expecting us to count to 77. What Jesus is simply saying is forgive the sinner as many times as he sins against you. In short, display unlimited forgiveness. This is the standard which Jesus has placed upon the believers of God. We are to display unlimited forgiveness.

However, take a look at the other logical implication of this standard. If this is the standard which we must uphold, then that must also mean that this is the standard which God, Himself, must also uphold. Therefore, logically, God must also (and He does) display unlimited forgiveness!

And so going back to our original question: Will God really forgive us for every sin we commit? According to the standard of God which He, Himself, gave through His Word, the answer is a resounding yes.