70 times 7?

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

On Wednesday nights I meet with my Sunday school group and we discuss current topics dealing with Christianity. Recently, we have been discussing forgiveness and letting go of your sins. There are many people who feel "held back" or "unworthy" because of past sins they've committed. This is due to the constant reminder that others give them, or their own unwillingness to let go.

Specifically, we just discussed personal forgiveness for one another. So many times we hold on to our sins, but even worse we sometimes hold on to the sins of others. There have been many instances when I've heard someone talk about another brother or sister in Christ in a negative way: "Well you heard what she did didn't you?", "You remember when this happened?", "I don't know if this is a good ministry for you, considering your past." You have indeed heard these things said before. I would say that some times, people are genuinely concerned about the ministry and what is best for all. However, more often than not, Christians seem to hold on to other peoples sins as a means for justifying or down playing their own. "Well at least my child didn't do that!" "I know it's wrong, but it's nothing compared to what they did." This is self righteous justification at its worst and there is nothing Biblical about it. Obviously, places of leadership need different and special considerations. You would not put a convicted pedifile in charge of children's Sunday school or hire a pastor struggling with an internet pornography addiction. What I am talking about is the Christian who has had a struggle in their life at some point and is seeking restoration and acceptance into the flock. They are rejected because of our unwillingness to forgive them and our inability to see the wrong in our own lives.

The disciples knew better than anyone else about forgiveness. They had pasts that undoubtedly would have been looked down upon in todays circles. They were fisherman who probably had filthy mouths and bad habits; and tax collectors who were considered traders of the Jewish community. They were by no means esteemed members of society and yet they received the grace and forgiveness of a holy and righteous Jesus. This is what is so wonderful about these two verses. See, Christ never gave commands that He wouldn't keep Himself. He is our one shining example of how we should forgive. My Sunday school class leader made the point that Christ does not forget our sins, he consciously chooses not to remember them. What a huge difference, right? If Christ just forgot our sins, then what meaning would sin have anyway? It would just be a constant game of sin, confess, and forget. There would be little potential for growing, learning, and improving our walk with Him. However, with Him choosing not to remember our sins, it allows for personal growth and the desire to seek His favor. Christ will not bring up your sins because they are already laid on Him. Your sins are done with, and He will remember them no more. So stop holding on. How can you forgive others when you can't even forgive yourself? And stop holding on to everyone else's. "Well you don't know my husband, he is awful." Well you know what? So are you. Christ told Peter to always forgive his brother because that is exactly what Christ does for you and me. If you want to have a Christian lifestyle you have to start modeling your forgiveness methods after Him.

What better example could you ever find?