Hello everyone! I pray your week is going smoothly thus far- if not, remember it’s Wednesday. We are halfway through the work week! Alright, let’s open our Bibles to Matthew 18:21-35 & Mark 11:25. “We are to respond to God’s mercy by showing mercy toward others through forgiveness.”
Forgiveness can feel like one of the hardest characteristics to follow. Human nature often inclines us toward anger, resentment, and the desire for justice on our terms. However, forgiveness is not only a moral obligation but a spiritual act that reflects the very heart of God. In Matthew 18:21-35, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus replies, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Through this response and the story of the unforgiving servant, Jesus illustrates that forgiveness has no limit. It is not a limited act, but a continuous practice grounded in the infinite grace we ourselves receive from God. The parable tells of a servant who owed an insurmountable debt to his king. When he begged for mercy, the king forgave him entirely, wiping away the burden. Yet, this same servant refused to show compassion to another who owed him a much smaller debt, demanding repayment and punishing the debtor. The king’s anger at the servant’s hypocrisy reminds us of that withholding forgiveness when we’ve been forgiven so much is contrary to God’s will. It becomes clear that forgiveness is not optional; it is vital to living a life that mirrors the kingdom of heaven. Mark 11:25 adds another layer: “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Here, Jesus highlights the mutual nature of forgiveness. Our ability to receive forgiveness from God is intertwined with our willingness to forgive others. It’s a humbling truth—holding onto unforgiveness not only poisons our hearts but also disrupts our relationship with God. This principle challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are there grudges we cling to, offenses we rehearse in our minds, or people we struggle to release from judgment? Extending forgiveness is not about excusing wrongdoing or minimizing pain—it’s about obedience and trust in God’s sovereignty.
Remember our devotional on hatred? I had to learn to forgive this person despite everything. In our human eyes, I was justified in feeling hatred towards this person, but Jesus calls us to forgive. I had to learn to let go of the hatred and extend forgiveness towards this person. I had to be obedient to the Creator. I had to let it go. Otherwise, it would’ve destroyed me. Forgiveness is not merely an act; it’s a reflection of the gospel itself. Jesus, in His ultimate act of love, forgave humanity’s sin by sacrificing Himself on the cross. He forgave even those who mocked and crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). When we forgive, we echo Christ’s grace, demonstrating to the world a love that transcends human understanding. Unforgiveness, on the other hand, chains us to bitterness and blocks the transformative power of God’s love in our lives. It blinds us to the grace we’ve received and hinders us from extending that grace to others. By choosing forgiveness, we break those chains and step into the freedom and peace God desires for us. Forgiveness doesn’t always come easily. It may require prayer, counsel, or time to heal. But it starts with a choice—a decision to obey God and release the offense to Him. Ask yourself: What areas of my life require forgiveness? How can I align my heart with God’s call to forgive? As you reflect on this, remember that it is both a gift and a responsibility. When we extend forgiveness, we not only free others but ourselves, stepping closer to the heart of God and reflecting His love to a broken world. In extending forgiveness, we embody God’s grace—grace that knows no bounds. Let this be a practice not only of obedience but of transformation, for ourselves and those around us.
Let’s discuss what we just learned. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below, we can discuss them together!
- In what ways do you struggle with forgivness?
- How does Christ’s forgiveness encourage you to forgive?
- Is there anyone in your life you need to forgive? Write or say a prayer, asking Jesus to help you forgive. Also, consider taking the next step by telling this person you forgive them.
Today’s verse for Lent prayer is Ephesians 1:7-8 and the prayer prompt is, “Thank the Lord for the redemption and forgiveness you have through Christ’s blood. Pray that you will remember the forgiveness that is yours in Christ whenever you sin.”
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Tomorrow we will discuss Replacing Sinful Anger with Christ’s Righteousness. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.
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