Matthew 18:22
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
فَقَالَ لَهُ يَسُوعُ: «لَيْسَ إلَى سَبْعِ مِرَّاتٍ فَقَطْ، بَلْ حَتَّى إلَى سَبعِينَ مَرَّةٍ، وَفي كُلِّ مَرَّةٍ سَبْعُ مَرَّاتٍ!»
What Does This Mean?
In Matthew 18:22, Jesus says that we should forgive others not just seven times but seventy times seven. This means forgiveness should be endless and limitless.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who keeps breaking your toys by accident. Instead of getting mad after the seventh time, Jesus is saying to keep forgiving them over and over, like counting all the way up to 490! That's how much we should forgive others.
Historical Background
This verse comes from the Gospel of Matthew, written around 80-90 AD. It was aimed at early Christians who needed guidance on how to live together in community, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness within that context.
Living It Out Today
Consider a scenario where you have a coworker who continually makes mistakes that affect your work. Instead of losing patience after several instances, Jesus' teaching encourages ongoing forgiveness and patience toward them.
Topics
forgivenesspatiencelovegracecommunityendurance
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'seventy times seven' mean literally?
'Seventy times seven' is a figure of speech indicating an extremely large number, emphasizing that forgiveness should be endless. It's not meant to be taken as a literal count.
How can we forgive someone 490 times without feeling exhausted?
Forgiveness is a choice and often requires help from God. By relying on His grace, it becomes possible to offer unlimited forgiveness, even when it's hard.
Does this verse mean I should keep forgiving the same person repeatedly for the same offense?
Yes, Jesus emphasizes continuous forgiveness regardless of how many times someone sins against you. However, ensuring one's safety and well-being is also important in practical applications.
How does Matthew 18:22 apply to family relationships?
In families, where conflicts can be frequent, this verse encourages patience and forgiveness as a key part of maintaining healthy and loving relationships with each other.