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(1 Cor. 12, 12–26; Matt. 18:18–22, 19:1–2, 13–15) Wanting to know how many times one should forgive a brother, St. Peter asked, making a decision: “Should I forgive up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21) And having said this, he thought that he had prescribed the greatest measure. How short is human patience! The Lord, applying His long-suffering to our infirmities, determined: “I do not tell you until seven times, but until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). This is the same as saying: always forgive and don’t think about not forgiving. All-forgiveness will be a distinctive feature of the Christian spirit, just as all-forgiveness is the source and constant support of life in us in the Lord, on the face of God. Constant forgiveness of everything to everyone is the outer garment of Christian love, which, according to the Apostle, “is long-suffering, merciful..., not easily irritated..., covers everything” (1 Cor. 13:4-5,7) It is the surest guarantee for forgiveness at the final judgment, for if we let go, “our heavenly Father will also forgive us” (Matthew 6:14). Thus, if you want to go to heaven, forgive everyone sincerely, from the heart, so that not even a shadow of hostility remains. You might be interested in: