Jesus the Game ChangerSample

Forgiveness

Jesus taught the radical power of forgiveness.

Perhaps the most radical teaching of Jesus is what he said about forgiveness. Peter once asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who wronged him, seven times? Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22 NIV). In other words, forgiveness should have no limit.

Jesus’ teaching on this subject is quite unique and really challenged a lot of the existing thought and expectation about what forgiveness was about, who it was for and what needed to happen in order to receive it.

Through Jesus, we see that forgiveness is now a hallmark of the Christian life. We have been forgiven, and therefore, we also ought to extend forgiveness to everyone, regardless of how much we think they have earned it, deserve it or have paid for it.

As Christians, we forgive because we have been forgiven.

So why then is forgiveness so hard?

Often, it’s because we underestimate how much God has forgiven us. Jesus’ parable in Matthew 18 compares our debt to God to a servant who owed his master an impossible sum. Yet the master cancelled the debt. If we have been forgiven so completely, how can we withhold forgiveness from others?

Forgiveness is also hard because it doesn’t erase the pain we’ve experienced. But Jesus shows us another way. At the cross, he prayed for those who crucified him: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34 NIV).

Forgiveness is not ignoring sin; it is releasing the debt and entrusting justice to God.

In a world that defaults to hate, revenge, and bitterness, forgiveness is a game-changer. It sets us free and reflects the heart of Jesus to others.

Reflection Questions

• Who do you need to forgive in light of the forgiveness you’ve received?
• How does remembering your own debt to God change your perspective?
• What step could you take today toward offering forgiveness, even if it’s difficult?