Obedience by the things which he suffered.

Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV)
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

When many of us hear this passage, our minds naturally focus on the command to forgive. Indeed, Jesus teaches us that a fixed number should not measure forgiveness—it must be as limitless as His grace. Yet there is another essential layer to this teaching: through forgiveness, we also learn obedience through suffering.

The word “suffer” in Scripture does more than simply denote pain—it means to allow or permit something to occur. In several places, Jesus uses this word not as a call to passivity but as an invitation to trust and obey His purposes.

Consider His instruction in Luke 18:16:
“But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Here, Jesus isn’t suggesting we “suffer” in the sense of enduring pain for its own sake; rather, He commands us to allow even the most vulnerable to come to Him without hindrance. In doing so, we learn to obey God's compassionate heart.

Hebrews 5:8 further deepens this understanding:
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”
Even our Savior—perfect though He was—learned the discipline of obedience through His own suffering. This teaches us that challenges and hardships are not just obstacles; they are divinely appointed opportunities to grow in faith and character.

True forgiveness is born out of humility—a heart willing to let go of pride and personal grievances. When we withhold forgiveness, we cling to our “soulful emotions” and block the flow of God’s grace.

James 4:6 reminds us:
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
This verse encapsulates the truth that pride not only distances us from God but also impedes our ability to extend His love and mercy to others.

Reflect on the scene at the cross. On the verge of ultimate suffering, Jesus yielded to the Father’s will by praying, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Even in the face of excruciating pain, his obedience is the perfect example. It is a model for us: by releasing our grievances and humbly submitting to God’s purposes, we not only find inner healing but also become conduits of His forgiveness.

When Jesus declares “seventy times seven,” He is not setting a mathematical limit but using hyperbolic language to indicate that forgiveness should be endless—as long as you are able to, forgive. This repeated act of forgiving molds our character and becomes a living testimony of God’s love. Consider these supporting scriptures:

• Colossians 3:13:
  “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

• Ephesians 4:32:
  “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  

By forgiving repeatedly, we demonstrate the same patience and grace God extends to us—even toward those who may never fully understand His love. In doing so, we plant seeds of transformation in hearts that have not yet experienced the overwhelming kindness of God.

As we encounter challenges, we may be tempted to escape the hardships designed to mold us into mature believers. Romans 5:3-4 offers a powerful reminder:
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Each act of forgiveness, each moment of yielding to God’s will—even in suffering—builds within us a character that mirrors Christ’s humility and obedience.

By choosing to forgive, you obey God’s command and let His love flow through you to those who are yet to experience it. Your patience and steadfastness in forgiving become a beacon for others—a way for them to witness a love far beyond human measure.

Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 18:21-22 is a call to a lifestyle of radical forgiveness and obedience through suffering. It is an invitation to let go of pride and embrace the transformative power of God’s grace. When we forgive as He has forgiven us, we break the chains of bitterness, grow in humility, and provide living proof of God’s boundless love.

Let every challenge and every moment of suffering be an opportunity to say, “Lord, help me to forgive, even when it’s hard,” knowing that through such obedience, God is shaping you into a more faithful, compassionate, and resilient follower of Christ.

May you walk in the freedom of forgiveness and experience the transforming love of God through every trial.