Bible on Forgivess: How Many Times Do We Forgive without Being Doormats?

Forgiveness..It's sometimes the most difficult thing to do. Especially when you're told you have to forgive someone who hurt you deeply in your life. But how many times are we obligated to forgive someone without becoming doormats? Do we have to forgive at all?

You Must Forgive:

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Luke 6:37 
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Matthew 6:14-16
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

How Many Times do we Have to Forgive?:

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

It's clear than in order for us to be forgiven, we have to also forgive others-even our worst enemies. Yep, it's a lot to ask for, but if Jesus forgave us, and can forgive even a murderer who repents, who are we to say we're too good to forgive others?

And when Peter asked if seven times was enough, Jesus said "seventy seven times"! Jesus doesn't want us to give people only one chance, but unlimited chances! How many chances would you want? We can treat others the same!

God bless!