Forgiving others is one of those ideas that sounds beautiful… until it becomes personal.

When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” he probably felt generous. Seven times feels more than fair. It feels spiritual. It feels like a reasonable limit.

But Jesus’ response shattered the idea of limits altogether:
“Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21–22)

Jesus wasn’t giving Peter a math problem. He was giving him a posture of the heart.

Forgiveness Is a Lifestyle, Not a Tally

Seventy times seven isn’t about keeping score—it’s about letting go of the scorecard entirely. Forgiveness, in the Kingdom of God, isn’t something we ration out when someone “deserves” it. It’s a way of living that reflects how God has treated us.

God doesn’t forgive us once and then keep a record for the next failure. His mercy is continual, patient, and undeserved. And He invites us to mirror that same mercy in our relationships.

That doesn’t mean forgiveness is easy. It doesn’t mean the hurt didn’t matter. And it doesn’t mean boundaries aren’t necessary. But it does mean we choose not to let bitterness take root in our hearts.

Why Forgiveness Is for Us

Unforgiveness weighs us down. It keeps us tied to old wounds, old conversations, and old versions of ourselves. Forgiveness, on the other hand, sets us free—not because the other person earned it, but because God desires freedom for His children.

When we forgive, we are saying:
“I trust God with justice.”
“I refuse to let this pain define me.”
“I choose healing over resentment.”

A Daily Declaration

Forgiveness is rarely a one-time decision. Often, it’s a daily surrender. Sometimes it’s a moment-by-moment prayer asking the Holy Spirit for strength when our own runs out.

So this year, let this be our declaration:

This year, with God’s help and the power of the Holy Spirit, I declare: I will have a Forgiving Spirit.

Not because it’s easy.
Not because it’s natural.
But because it’s Christlike.

And in choosing forgiveness—again and again—we step into the freedom, peace, and grace that God has already so generously given to us.

Watch This Message and learn more about forgiveness.