Is it easy for you to forgive?

The answer to that question probably depends on a few factors.

• Who has wronged me?
• What did the person do?

Forgiveness isn’t always easy, yet Jesus tells us to forgive.

One day, Peter came to Jesus and asked Him how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. “Seven times?” Peter asked. Peter probably thought he was being overly generous to say seven times.

“Jesus will be really impressed with my suggestion.” Peter may have thought.

Jesus’ response probably surprised Peter.

“I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Jesus shows us God’s attitude on forgiveness.

God’s forgiveness is beyond generous. He forgives over and over and over again. This isn’t a license to sin, it’s a great comfort because we are sinners.

In fact, Jesus forgave the very people who were murdering Him on the cross as they were doing it.

Did they deserve it? No. But Jesus still forgave.

Do we deserve God’s forgiveness? No. But Jesus still forgives.

In the end, Jesus grounds the forgiveness we give others in the gracious forgiveness we have received. Just as God forgives us over and over, so we can forgive others over and over. Just as God forgives us of even the most horrific sins, so we can forgive others of horrific sins. When we struggle to forgive, it’s helpful to remember how much and how often Jesus has forgiven you.

Forgiveness and a Change of Heart

Jesus, being God, is able to instantly forgive even the greatest sin and immediately relent from His anger and love the person. It’s not always that easy for us. 

Forgiveness is the intentional, grace-based decision to release a person from the debt of their sins against you, mirroring God’s mercy rather than seeking revenge. It’s not a feeling. Forgiveness is a choice of the will (an act) to obey God and show love to the person, but it is often made while feelings of hurt, anger, or pain still exist.

We can forgive and then seek God to help us deal with the hurt, anger, and pain, which may time a long time. We can forgive and then seek God for wisdom regarding boundaries in our relationship with the person. But forgiveness is the first step.

Forgiveness is release.

You are releasing the other person from a debt to you. You are also being released from the chains of bitterness and anger.

But also notice that Jesus prays for the Father to forgive the people. This can and should also be our prayer. Just as we have been undeservingly forgiven by God. So, we pray that the other person, by grace through faith, would be forgiven by God as well.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

It can be hard for me to forgive people. Yet, I know you have forgiven me of so much. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. I especially ask you to help me forgive the following people whom I struggle to forgive, […]. As I forgive them, Lord, please heal me of the hurt and anger and give me wisdom to know what boundaries are appropriate.

Amen

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.