Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

— Matthew 18:21

Sometimes when I’m alone and driving long distances, I listen to “golden oldies” on the radio. One song I occasionally hear has this refrain: “I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. . . . I think it’s about forgiveness.” This is exactly what Jesus was getting at in our passage for today.

Peter asks Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister?” And Jesus responds with the parable of the unforgiving servant. This servant, who has been forgiven much, refuses to forgive someone who owes him only a little. Jesus shows there is no limit to the number of times we should forgive others. Why? Because we should forgive as God forgives.

Our forgiveness of others actually shows that we realize how much God has forgiven us. God’s transforming mercy enables us to show mercy to others out of love for God.

Some psychologists say that forgiveness is a personal option, suggesting a kind of permission structure for not forgiving people who have wronged us. In some cases, of course, it may not be wise to fully embrace or trust someone whom we have forgiven. And forgiving some injuries may take hard work and may not completely resolve the hurt. But forgiving is the right thing to do.

For Jesus, for Peter, and for us, forgiveness is the heart of the matter.

As you have forgiven us all of our sins, Jesus, help us by your grace to forgive others. Amen.