Called To a Life of Forgiveness
Today’s reading is out of Matthew 18:21-35. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.
As we grow in our relationship with God, we also grow in our understanding and experience of His grace. God’s grace flows through His unending forgiveness into our lives and one of the many ways to experience and practice this type of grace is through extending forgiveness to others. Forgiveness is one of those words that really hits home. In fact, as you’re reading this, you may be thinking of the wounds or hurts from the past that still cause pain. Perhaps you might be thinking about a person who consistently criticized you, or a painful and traumatic experience from the past, or a loved one’s betrayal. These wounds can leave us with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment, and worse. The truth is, when we refuse to practice and take steps toward forgiveness, we are the ones who pay most dearly.
It’s important to understand what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not the same as trust. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. Forgiveness is not forgetting, excusing, or condoning. Forgiveness does not heal everything in a single moment. Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentments and desires for revenge. Forgiveness is setting someone free, and then finding out that that person is you. So how do we forgive and handle conflict biblically? Today’s passage reminds us of the power and importance of forgiveness in our lives, and in the lives of others. Take a few moments to read this passage again and consider what God is speaking to you.
Matthew 18:21-35 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Reflect
- Peter, one of Jesus’s earliest followers, begins with the question; “How many times shall I forgive?” Why do you think Peter would ask such a question? Do you find yourself asking that same question? Why or why not?
- In verse 27, we read that the servant’s debt was canceled and the servant was set free. We’ve all had a debt forgiven if we’ve begun our relationship with God. What does walking in the freedom God’s forgiveness provides look like for you?
- Have you been able to forgive someone else who has hurt you? How did you get to that place of forgiveness? If you haven’t been able to forgive, what is holding you back?
Act
Write down the name of someone you would like to forgive. Take this opportunity to pray for them. Ask God to soften your heart so you can begin the journey of forgiveness. As you are writing, is there anyone that you would like to receive forgiveness from? Write their name down and pray for them today. Ask God to remind you of His forgiveness and grace toward you.
Pray
God, I am not perfect, but You are! And today, I need to understand the depths of Your forgiveness and grace. I pray that I can become a person who embodies the heart of love and forgiveness that You share with all of us. Teach me to extend this grace and forgiveness toward others. Remind me that forgiveness is not forgetting, it is letting go of resentment and revenge
and holding on to You as You lead me toward Your heart. Amen.