Jesus prescribes limitless readiness to forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:21-22)

From http://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090128-1219.html: Matthew 18:21, 22 - The Correct Number Of Times To Forgive (part 1).

AIM: He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass. George Herbert

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"  Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.   Matthew 18:21, 22 (CWR)  Then Peter asked Jesus, "How many times should I forgive my brother? Is seven times enough?  Jesus said, "Peter, it is not a question of how many times, but a question of your own attitude. If your attitude is right, you'll forgive him seventy times seven because you love him. Seventy-seven times: Times without number.  [NIV SB]

Jesus prescribes limitless readiness to forgive from the heart (18:35; cp. Gen 4:23-24). [NLT SB]  The rabbis taught that Jews should forgive those who offend them three times.  Peter, in trying to be especially generous, asked Jesus if seven (the "perfect" number) was enough times to forgive someone.  But Jesus answered, "Seventy times seven," meaning that we shouldn't even keep track of how many times we forgive someone.  We should always forgive those who are truly repentant, no matter how many time they ask.  [Life Application SB] 

The number itself is not important, being only symbolic. Either number is in harmony with the truth here taught, that forgiveness is not a matter of mathematics or legal regulations, but an attitude. He who harbors within himself the idea that at some future time he will not forgive, is far from extending true forgiveness even though he may go through the form of forgiving. If the spirit of forgiveness actuates the heart, a person will be as ready to forgive a repentant soul the eighth time as the first time, or the 491st time as the eighth. True forgiveness is not limited by numbers; furthermore, it is not the act that counts, but the spirit that prompts the act. "Nothing can justify an unforgiving spirit". [SDA Bible Commentary] 

Peter wanted a rule to obey, which shows he was not in the spirit of what Jesus taught (Rom. 12:8-10). The parable is not about salvation but about forgiveness among God's people. We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13), and He has forgiven us at great cost to Himself! It is possible to receive forgiveness but not truly experience forgiveness in our hearts; therefore, we have a hard time sharing forgiveness with others. When you have an unforgiving spirit, you put yourself in prison spiritually and emotionally; you pay dearly for the luxury of carrying a grudge. Is it worth it? [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe re vv. 21-35] 

Jesus puts no limits on forgiveness, not even the generous boundaries that Peter implies. No one can ever say, "I've forgiven enough; now it's time to hold a grudge." If you refuse to work toward forgiveness, you develop handicapped emotions. You'll stunt your growth with grudges, no matter how important they seem to you. Make a list of your top five hurts. Who must be forgiven to relieve these burdens? How can forgiveness be initiated? Who might help? Participate in Communion next time with a heart free from grudges, your own forgiveness reflecting the greater forgiveness of God toward you. [Life Application Commentary] 

One of the greatest barriers to Christian maturity is knowing what to do with forgiveness. Jesus' use of exaggeration makes the point that one forgives and forgives. There is no limit. How long does it take until you have worked through forgiveness? Until you can want the well-being of the other who has trespassed against you. The import of Jesus' teaching here is that our lack of willingness to forgive our neighbor acts as a barrier to accepting God's forgiveness of our own sin. [Disciple SB] To forgive a person "seven times," and no more, would be a mechanical sort of forgiveness.... Forgiveness, on the part either of God or of man, is much more than a judicial act; it is a restoration of peace where there had been conflict (see Rom. 5:1). But forgiveness is even more than that--it includes the effort to restore the erring brother himself. [SDA Bible Commentary] 

The contrast between our debt to God and the debts others may owe us is immeasurable.  And when God has forgiven us the debt we owe Him, how can we be unforgiving to others who owe us so little in comparison?  [David Augsburger; Time with God devotional SB] 

He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass. George Herbert