Seventy Times Seven

 The book of Genesis records for us Cain's terrible choices, and the tragic consequences for him as well as his descendants. It seems that the guilt of his sin was not what caused him grief, but his being cursed from the ground that he tilled. Rather than a godly sorrow over the murder of his brother Abel, he instead feared for his life. (See Gen 4:8-15)

God, in His mercy, appointed a sign for Cain so that no one would kill him in vengeance. If that were to happen, the guilty party would be avenged sevenfold by the LORD. Sadly, Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, settled down, had a son, and built a city. We do not read that Cain, or his descendants worshipped the LORD, we only read of their earthly pursuits.

Eventually we get to Lamech (Gen 4:19-24). One day he kills a man who apparently attacked him. He tells his two wives that if Cain is avenged sevenfold, then he is to be avenged seventyfold. It is easy to see the idea of holding grudges, revenge, and retribution being formed here. This is something that has plagued mankind ever since. It is easy to hold a grudge, but hard to let go and forgive.

Jesus taught the opposite. Once while He was teaching on restoration of broken relationships, Peter asked Him how often he was expected to forgive a brother. Seven times? (See Matt 18:21-22)

Jesus gave a reply that undoubtedly shocked Peter. Perhaps He was referring to Cain, and Lamech. Jesus tells him not to stop forgiving at seven times, but to forgive up to seventy times seven. Instead of holding that grudge, just waiting for the eight time you are offended so that you can finally get even, Jesus tells us to live in a continual state of forgiving. 

We all are offended by others, and often forgiveness is the last thing we desire to do. The idea of revenge is so ingrained in the world around us, and even as Christians we can easily get caught up in anger. However, let us be like Jesus, who Himself forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Don't limit your forgiveness to one or two offences, but then draw a line in the sand, but freely forgive as the Lord has forgiven you (Col 3:13).