“No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven.”  ( Matthew 18:22 )

Number seven has a special meaning among the people who speak the Semitic language.  This number means completeness.

According to the Jewish people’s custom, when forgiving others, three times is the maximum.  When Peter asked Jesus if it was enough to forgive seven times, he probably thought Jesus would commend him.  Unexpectedly, Jesus said, ‘Not seven times, but seventy times seven.’

The foundation of forgiveness is tolerance.  Admitting the fact that we all have our shortcomings is the prerequisite of tolerance.

“Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, and pay no attention to the log in your own eye?  How dare you say to your brother, ‘Please, let me take that speck out of your eye,’ when you have a log in your own eye?”  ( Matthew 7: 3-5 )

The parable of the prodigal son can only found in the Gospel of Luke.  Please take a look at the touching scene of the forgiving father: ‘He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms round his son, and kissed him.  ‘Father,’ the son said, ‘I have sinned against God and against you.  I am no longer fit to be called your son.’  But the father called his servants. ‘Hurry!’ he said. ‘Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet.  Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast!  For this son of mine was dead, nut now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’  ( Matthew 15: 20-24 )

Jesus would also like us to treat those who have offended us in the same way.