Often when we hear about forgiving, the number seventy times seven, or 77 comes to mind. Matthew 18:22 says; “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” But what does that mean, seventy times seven?” “( NIV). The King James version says, “… but up to seventy times seven.” That’s 490 times. So after 490 times of forgiving someone, that’s it, we’re done? Hardly. Jesus wasn’t just using a number to illustrate how often we should forgive. Jesus was using a technique often used by Jewish teachers called REMEZ (רמז – pronounced rehm-ezz) which means hint or clue.
It’s kinda like filling in the blank. If you remember some tests in school where you had to fill in the blank (if it was multiple choice fill in the blank I was a happy camper : ) ) Rabbis used to quote a passage of scripture and the students would fill in the blanks, this is known as deductive teaching and this is what Jesus was doing. Jesus wasn’t teaching a math class and just throwing out numbers. His followers knew the number 77 only appeared in scripture only once – Genesis 4: 23– “If Cain is avenged seven times then Lamech seventy-seven times”(NIV). Lamech was a vengeful man and returned offenses 77 times over. That’s a lot of passion in vengeance!!! Jesus was trying to tell His followers to forgive with as much passion as Lamech was in being vengeful. Like the photo above, what if we were to seek opportunities to forgive with as much power behind that wave crashing down on the lighthouse? What if we had that much passion in forgiving others?
There’s also something interesting about the number 7. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). Much of it’s meaning is correlates to God’s creation.
When Jesus died on the cross His forgiveness for us was complete – “It’s is finished”, John 19:30. He completed His mission here on earth. His plan for salvation was completed. His sacrifice for us on the cross was complete and perfect love, He was the perfect sacrifice.
Is there someone you need to forgive? You don’t need to wait for someone to ask for forgiveness. You can forgive in your heart. It’s much more than words, saying “You’re forgiven” it’s a heart attitude as well. Your words need to be backed up with action. When the offense or offender comes to mind what do experience, what emotions arise? Sometimes I feel anger creeping in or I start to feel hatred. That’s when I have to forgive, again. I am human. God may forget our sins, but we are not God, we from time to time may remember. Sometimes I actually do feel sorry for those who have offended me and pray that God will be merciful to them. After all I know I have offended others and I want them to forgive me the way God has forgiven me. “… bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” – Colossians 3:13. Are you willing to show your forgiveness by being friendly and showing kindness toward your offender? Are you able to go as far as showing love? It’s not easy. But it can be done with God’s help “
Is there someone you need to forgive? You don’t need to wait for someone to ask for forgiveness. You can forgive in your heart. It’s much more than words, saying “You’re forgiven” it’s a heart attitude as well. Your words need to be backed up with action. When the offense comes to mind what do experience, what emotions arise? Sometimes I feel anger creeping in or I start to feel hatred. That’s when I have to forgive, again. I am human. God may forget our sins, (Hebrews 8:12) but we are not God, we from time to time may remember. Sometimes I actually do feel sorry for those who have offended me and pray that God will be merciful to them. After all I know I have offended others and I want them to forgive me the way God has forgiven me. “… bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” – Colossians 3:13. Are you willing to show your forgiveness by being friendly and showing kindness toward your offender? Are you able to go as far as showing love? It’s not easy. But it can be done with God’s help ” But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” – Matthew 19:26. (KJV).
This blog post inspired by: Dave Adamson / @aussiedave
The Kedge Anchor 
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