When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive - perhaps expecting praise for suggesting seven times - Jesus answered "seventy times seven." This wasn't math; it was a mindset. Forgiveness is not occasional but a way of life.

Jesus connected our ability to receive forgiveness with our willingness to extend it. "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." This is serious business. The parable of the unforgiving servant shows what happens when we receive grace but refuse to give it.

Yet forgiveness doesn't mean pretending nothing happened or putting yourself in harm's way. It means releasing the debt, entrusting justice to God, and choosing not to be controlled by bitterness. It's for your freedom as much as theirs.