Seventy Times Seven: Stop Counting, Start Forgiving (Matthew 18)
Peter asks Jesus how many times he has to forgive someone, hoping seven will be enough. Jesus answers seventy times seven, meaning stop counting altogether. The one thing for the ride: stop counting, start forgiving. Three kid-sized practices for the week, plus a direct note for kids about the difference between forgiveness and tolerating real harm.
For Parents
Your kid is keeping score on someone right now. The sibling who keeps doing the thing. The friend who hurt their feelings. The kid at school they can still hear in their head. This episode walks through the moment Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone, and Jesus told him to stop counting altogether. Plus three small things your kid can try this week, including the one we all need: a breath before reacting.
The One Thing for the Ride
“Stop counting, start forgiving.”
Scripture
Matthew 18:22
CSB
Key Takeaways
- The story of Peter asking Jesus how many times to forgive someone, and Jesus' seventy times seven answer.
- A kid-readable framing for forgiveness: stop counting, start forgiving.
- Three small things kids can practice this week, including a one-breath pause before reacting.
- A direct note for kids about the difference between forgiving in your heart and tolerating real harm. If something is wrong, tell a parent or teacher.
Try This Week
- Think of one person you've been keeping score against. Today, in your head, say, "Jesus, I'm letting it go."
- The next time someone bugs you, take a breath before you react. Just one breath.
- If there's something you said or did that hurt someone else, go and say, "I'm sorry," without making excuses.
Talk It Over
Is there someone in our family or at school we need to forgive?
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