Forgiveness That Sets Us Free

Scripture: "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?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" – Matthew 18:21-22 

When my husband recently confessed that he had been holding onto anger and blame toward me for over ten years, I was completely blindsided. He told me it stemmed from an incident in our early marriage when I loaded the dishwasher with a knife blade pointing up, and he ended up cutting himself. I vaguely remember this moment, it wasn’t intentional or malicious. I didn’t grow up with a dishwasher, so I didn’t know “dishwasher etiquette.” But what felt like a small incident to me became a lingering source of resentment for him. 

As he shared, he apologized for holding onto it for so long and for the way he spoke to me at the time. Honestly, I didn’t feel like his apology was necessary, but I forgave him anyway, because that’s what Scripture calls us to do: forgive, and forgive again. In that moment, I realized something deeper about forgiveness and how God uses it to bring reconciliation, not only with each other but also with Him. 

Forgiveness is one of the hardest commands Jesus gives us. In Matthew 18, Peter tries to quantify forgiveness, asking if forgiving someone seven times is enough. Jesus’ response shatters any boundaries: seventy-seven times. It’s not about the math; it’s about the heart. Jesus calls us to forgive endlessly because He knows what holding onto resentment can do. My husband’s confession reminded me of how often we carry burdens for years, burdens that grow heavier as time passes, when forgiveness could have set us free long ago. 

And here’s the beauty of Jesus’ forgiveness: just as my husband finally brought this to light for reconciliation, we, too, can bring our transgressions before Jesus. Even when we’re unaware of how our sin has grieved Him, He already knows and has already made a way for forgiveness through the cross. Isn’t it incredible that when we finally come to Him with our brokenness, He doesn’t keep a record of wrongs? Instead, He forgives us, washes us clean, and makes us new. 

In my own marriage, I’ve learned that forgiveness is not just about resolving old wounds but about reflecting the grace God has shown us. It’s freeing, not only for the one asking forgiveness but for the one offering it. Jesus’ command to forgive is an invitation to live with lighter hearts, free of bitterness and anger. 

Forgiveness doesn’t erase what happened. My husband’s cut was real, and so was his anger. But through forgiveness, those moments lose their power to divide. They become stories of grace instead of wounds that linger. Just as Jesus forgives us, over and over again, we’re called to forgive, reflecting His love and mercy in every relationship. It’s not about deserving it, none of us “deserve” forgiveness. But Jesus extends it anyway. 

Today, let’s reflect on the forgiveness Jesus offers us every day. What grudges or wounds are we holding onto that He’s calling us to release? Who might need our forgiveness, even if they don’t ask for it? Let’s choose forgiveness, trusting that it sets us free and mirrors the heart of our Savior. 

Prayer:

Lord, You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. You forgive us endlessly, even when we fall short time and time again. We adore You for Your grace and for the freedom You give us through forgiveness. 

Lord, we confess that we often hold onto resentment, letting anger and bitterness grow in our hearts. We struggle to forgive as You’ve called us to. Forgive us for our unwillingness to release these burdens and for the ways we’ve let pride or pain keep us from reflecting Your love. 

Thank You, Jesus, for forgiving us completely, past, present, and future. Thank You for making reconciliation possible and for freeing us from the weight of our sins. We are so grateful for Your example of mercy and for the grace that washes us clean every day. 

Lord, help us to forgive as You forgive. Give us the courage to release old wounds and the humility to seek forgiveness when we’ve hurt others. Help us to love as You love, to reflect Your mercy in our relationships, and to trust that Your forgiveness is enough to heal every hurt. May we rest in the knowledge that You’ve made us new. 

Amen.