27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. Matthew 18:27
William fought with his wife, Natalie. They took all afternoon to resolve the issue. But Natalie held a grudge. She was hurt, and she didn’t forgive him. She knew she needed to, but she didn’t. Bitterness trapped her heart.
Jill got into a disagreement with a coworker, Amber. Though it seemed to be a minor issue, neither woman would budge. Their boss settled the matter, but Jill resented Amber.
Peter got angry at his son. Tim’s foolishness too often brought trouble. “I can’t do this anymore. I’m done with him,” he said.
Have you ever struggled to forgive? If so, there is hope.
Forgiveness means to let go or release. Between two people, a sin is committed, and a relational “debt” is created. When we forgive, we cancel the debt (Matt. 18:27, 32; Luke 7:42). We pardon the offender of his sin and wipe the slate clean. Forgiveness is free and unconditional; it is undeserved and cannot be earned (Matt. 6:12; 2 Cor. 2:7–10).