Note 7 at Mt. 18:22: Peter thought he was being very generous by offering to forgive his brother seven times in one day, but Jesus said he should forgive him 490 times in one day. It would be impossible to have someone sin against you 490 times in one day. Jesus is actually saying that there should be no limit to our forgiveness.

In context, this principle applies to church discipline (see note 5 at Mt. 18:17, p. 218; see note 6 at Mt. 18:18, p. 219). Regardless of how many times we have to discipline someone, if he repents each time (Lk. 17:4), we are supposed to forgive him and confirm our love unto him (2 Cor. 2:6-8).

If God expects us to forgive our brother who has trespassed against us 490 times in one day (actually an unlimited number of times), certainly He who is love (1 Jn. 4:8) will do no less with us.