Read the Scripture
Scripture passages for Forgive Your Brother
Primary passage
Matthew 18:21–22
21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.
World English Bible
The command
Forgive repeatedly.
In context
Hear the whole passage.
Peter asks Jesus to define a limit for forgiving a brother. Jesus answers beyond ordinary calculation and follows with a parable about received and withheld mercy.
What This Reveals About Jesus
Jesus calls His disciples to reject scorekeeping and extend forgiveness repeatedly.
God’s mercy is abundant, and those who receive it are called to release vengeance and become people of mercy.
Practice this command
Take one concrete step.
Name one offense you keep recounting. Ask God to help you release revenge, then choose a wise first step toward forgiveness or reconciliation where it is safe.
Discuss it
How are forgiveness, restored trust, reconciliation, and healthy boundaries related—and how are they different?
Pray
Merciful Lord, help me remember the mercy I have received and give me strength to forgive without pretending harm was good.
Teach it
Use Peter’s question and Jesus’ answer to show why Christian forgiveness is not a numerical quota.
Continue in the original collection
This command is source position 58 in the complete sequence.