Definition: Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 18:21. It's a really important and slightly complex verse about forgiveness! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Peter is facing a difficult situation where someone has broken a rule against him. He’s asking, “How often should I forgive this person? Can I ever truly forget their mistake?” Let’s unpack it step-by-step: “Then came Peter to him…” : This sets the scene – Peter is in a serious situation. “…and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” : This is the crux of the question. "My brother" refers to someone who has wronged Peter. “Sin against me” means they've broken a rule or offense that Peter believes is important. The phrase "until seven times" is incredibly significant. It’s a very long amount of time – far more than most people would think! What does it mean? This verse highlights the importance of consistent forgiveness . It suggests that when someone wrongs you, it's not enough to just forgive them once or twice. Peter is asking if he can ever truly move on from this offense because it keeps happening repeatedly. The Significance & Context (Important!) Jesus’ Teachings: This passage comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which deals with leadership and how we should treat others. It's a reminder that forgiveness is crucial for healthy relationships and a righteous life. The Seven Deadly Sins: The seven times refers to the seven deadly sins – pride, lust, greed, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. It’s about striving for a perfect relationship with God through forgiveness. In essence, this verse is a call for patience and unwavering commitment to forgiveness. It's a reminder that sometimes, even when someone deeply offends us, it takes consistent effort and dedication to let go of the hurt and move forward. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Matthew 18? Discuss the significance of forgiveness in Christianity?