Sunday on Monday - June 8th, 2026
What Is Forgiveness?
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things Jesus calls His followers to do.
It's hard because real sins cause real wounds. Some offenses leave scars that last a lifetime. Forgiveness does not mean pretending nothing happened. It does not mean calling evil good. It does not mean trust is instantly restored. And it certainly does not mean there are no consequences. Biblically, forgiveness means releasing a personal debt and entrusting justice to God.
Forgiveness says: "I will not devote my life to making you pay for what you did. I will leave judgment in God's hands." The foundation of Christian forgiveness is not found in what forgiveness does for us. It is found in what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
"Forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
Why Should We Forgive?
- Because God Has Forgiven Us
In our text, Jesus tells the story of a servant who was forgiven an impossible debt. The point is simple: no one will ever sin against us as greatly as we have sinned against God. When we remember the mercy we have received, it becomes much harder to keep a running list of what others owe us. Christian forgiveness begins with gospel gratitude.
- Because We Want to Reflect the Character of Our Father
God is merciful, patient, and forgiving. When we forgive others, we reflect the heart of the God who has shown mercy to us. Forgiveness is more than good advice. It is one way God's children display the family resemblance.
- Because Unforgiveness Is Destructive
Bitterness has a way of taking root. Resentment grows. Anger lingers. A desire for revenge slowly takes over. Forgiveness often brings freedom. But that's not why Christians forgive. We forgive because Christ has forgiven us. Peace may follow forgiveness, but peace isn't the foundation. The cross is.
What Forgiveness Is Not
- Saying the offense was acceptable.
- Pretending evil never happened.
- Trusting someone who has proven untrustworthy.
- Refusing to confront sin.
- Ignoring wisdom or healthy boundaries.
- Eliminating consequences.
Jesus teaches both forgiveness and accountability. In Matthew 18, Jesus calls us to forgive but also calls us to confront sin, pursue restoration, and involve others when repentance is absent. Love and truth are not enemies.
What If They Never Repent?
One of the hardest questions believers face is: "What if they never apologize?"
The Bible calls us to maintain a forgiving spirit even toward those who have wronged us.
We are to reject personal vengeance, pray for our enemies, seek their good, and leave justice in God's hands. At the same time, forgiveness and reconciliation are not identical.
Reconciliation requires repentance and restoration.
Romans 12:19 says: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God." We can release our grip on revenge because we trust God to judge perfectly.
How Do I Know If I've Forgiven?
Don't make the mistake of thinking you've failed to forgive simply because the hurt still hurts. Some wounds leave scars. You may remember what happened for the rest of your life.
Instead, ask:
- Have I surrendered my desire for revenge?
- Am I entrusting justice to God?
- Am I resisting bitterness?
- Am I willing to seek reconciliation if genuine repentance occurs?
- Am I praying for this person rather than cursing them?
Forgiveness is often not a one-time event. Sometimes it is a choice that must be renewed again and again.
Joseph: A Picture of Forgiveness
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned.
Years later, when he stood before the very men who had wronged him, he said:
"You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." Genesis 50:20
Joseph didn't pretend his brothers had done nothing wrong. He looked them in the eye and called it what it was: evil. Yet Joseph was convinced that God had been at work the entire time, even through the actions of sinful men.
Because Joseph trusted God to write the final chapter, he didn't have to spend his life settling scores.
Practical Steps Toward Forgiveness
- Bring your hurt honestly before God.
- Name the offense truthfully.
- Remember the mercy God has shown you in Christ.
- Release your claim to personal vengeance.
- Entrust justice to God.
- Pray for the offender.
- Pursue reconciliation when repentance makes it possible.
Final Encouragement
The world often says:
"Forgive so you can be free."
The gospel says:
"You have been shown mercy. Therefore show mercy."
The deepest reason we forgive isn't because it benefits us.
We forgive because Christ didn't make us pay our debt.
We forgive because we have been forgiven.
And people who never get over the mercy of God tend to become merciful people.
