The Seriousness of Forgivenessናሙና

What If I Don’t Forgive?

Jesus helps us understand a new perspective on forgiveness using a story found in Matthew 18:33–34, a tale of the severe consequences of withholding forgiveness after being granted it so generously. In verse 35, our Lord warns, “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from your hearts.” This statement isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a stern warning, a moral obligation that transcends being a mere “good thing”. Forgiveness is not an act of magnanimity, but a must, a moral necessity. It may seem nonsensical to an unforgiving person, but we, who are bestowed with divine forgiveness, are called to be the most forgiving beings on earth.

The preaching of the gospel made us aware of our sin debt before God. It made us realize the enormity of our transgressions, stirring a longing for forgiveness within us, a desire born out of repentance. It wasn’t merely about becoming aware of our debt but also about understanding how we would be forgiven—through the sacrifice of His Son. We pleaded for undeserved mercy, and in response, God gave us everything instead of making us lose everything.

Romans 8 asks, if God didn’t withhold His own Son, what would He withhold from you? We are forgiven of everything, granted everything, and even made joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, when someone indebted to us pleads for our forgiveness, we sometimes refuse, insisting on their debt. This refusal is morally outrageous, grievous, and entirely unacceptable in the eyes of our King.

God will not let such an act stand. The unforgiving Christian will face the torturers until they right their wrong and extend the forgiveness they ought to extend. But how does God send the torturers? How do unforgiving Christians suffer discipline until they repent of their sin of unforgiveness?

Understand the torturers exist within our souls. An unforgiving Christian is invariably a miserable person. When you harbor unforgiveness in your heart, joy, and peace become alien to you. Your soul becomes a dry place devoid of satisfaction. God disciplines you within the realm of your own heart and soul.

Have you been deprived of joy and peace because there’s something you refuse to forgive? Reflect on this, and remember, in the grand scheme of divine forgiveness, any human debt is trivial. Let go of that burden you’re carrying. Extend the mercy you’ve been granted so generously. It’s not just an act of kindness, but a moral imperative, a journey towards inner peace, and above all, the path that aligns us with the will of our gracious Lord.