The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, forgiving his debt. Matthew 18:26-27

 Have you ever had to forgive someone? Maybe they hurt you in some way, or they owed you either money or something tangible. Out of the graciousness of your heart, you were moved to forgive them of that debt. Forgiveness can be hard, especially when you are the one carrying the burden of the offense or loss. I know there have been many times when I’ve had to forgive others. Trust me, it was very difficult, but necessary if I was to maintain a sense of inner peace.

 Forgiveness might sound weak or an easy way out, but it’s actually a bold move on your part, for it shows, regardless of the negative impact on you, you are still in control. You control the situation by forgiving your offender. Well, you might be thinking, but they’ll hurt me again. So, how many times should you forgive them?

 Matthew 18:21-22…Peter asked Jesus, how many times he should forgive a brother who offends him. Jesus replied seventy times seven. What He was really saying, there is NO end to the equation of forgiveness, it’s a constant source of mercy that never runs out. That’s a tall order if you think about it, but still, by your forgiveness, you are in control and close the gap of that offense.

 What motivation do you have to forgive someone? Jesus said it in Matthew 6:15: “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” If you want to enter the gates of Heaven, you need to be forgiven of your sins, and if you still have unforgiveness in your heart, how can you enter into God’s beautiful sanctuary? You can’t. Well, that’s motivation for me to forgive, how about you?

 Forgiveness isn’t about you or your offender, it’s about Jesus Christ, in what HE did to secure your place in Heaven. Follow His lead and always have an abundant source of grace and mercy for your offenders. Forgiveness is the pathway to peace with yourself and God the Father!