EmotionsSample

Jesus Modeled Forgiveness 

Forgiveness itself isn’t a feeling; it’s a choice. But forgiveness—or lack of forgiveness—can stir up a lot of feelings. Think about the last time you were forgiven. What emotions did you feel? Likely some relief, gratitude and joy. What about the last time you forgave someone else? Maybe some peace, kindness, and mercy. 

Forgiveness can be the key to improving so many relationships. But it requires letting go of our hurt feelings to seek healing instead. That doesn’t mean we can’t feel pain about someone’s actions. But it does mean that we choose to surrender our right to be right so that we can make the relationship right. 

This concept of forgiveness is one that people have been wrestling with for a long time. In fact, Peter asked Jesus a question about forgiveness that most of us can probably relate to. He asked: 

… “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” Matthew 18:21 NLT 

We’re tempted, like Peter, to put rules on our relationships. We want an out in case things get too uncomfortable. But there’s no limit to forgiveness. Here’s Jesus’ reply: 

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:22 NLT 

Jesus goes on to tell a story of a king who collects his debt from servants. One of the debtors owed millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so the king was going to sell him and his family to pay it off. The man begs for mercy, and the king gives it to him. Later on, the same man who was forgiven refused to forgive someone else for owing him money. The king finds out, and orders him to prison to pay off the debt after all. 

How often are we tempted to act like the man in the story? We’ve been forgiven of so much, yet it’s so difficult for us to extend that same mercy and forgiveness to others. But Jesus—much like the king—isn’t interested in one-way forgiveness. We’ve been forgiven of sin, shown undeserved grace, and have gained a way to be right with God when we could never deserve it. Our only natural response is to extend that same level of forgiveness to others. 

So forgiveness isn’t a feeling. But it is a choice. And if we follow Jesus, it’s a decision to overlook our offense and hurt feelings so that we can honor God and restore relationships. 

Pray: God, thank You for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank You for giving us a way through Jesus to be made right with You. Show me any areas in which I need to seek or extend forgiveness, and help me do so. In Jesus’ name, amen.