Interpretation of the Bible / Matthew 18:21-22
In the Bible verses Matthew 18:21-22, we find Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother who had wronged him. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and how we should learn to forgive our neighbors.
The value of forgiveness
To better understand the value of forgiveness, it is important to know the meaning of the word. Forgiveness involves releasing another person from the punishment or revenge that they deserve for hurting us. In other words, forgiveness is releasing guilt and pain so that you can move on.
That is why Jesus answers Peter by saying that we should forgive not only seven times, but seventy-seven times. In other words, we should learn to forgive always. That is, we should forgive not just once, but several times, without any reasonable limit.
The importance of forgiveness
Jesus also shows us an example of the importance of forgiveness in our lives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “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).
This teaching of Jesus shows that forgiveness is crucial to our happiness and well-being. When we forgive others, we free our hearts from bitterness and resentment and allow ourselves to freely experience inner peace and harmony with others.