In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus has a lot to say about forgiveness.
Forgiveness, according to Jesus in Matthew 18:21-35 is:
1. Ongoing (continual and often)
2. Disruptive (to toxic systems)
3. Costly (not a “feeling”)
4. Communal (has a ripple effect)
5. Obedient (worship)
6. Supernatural (a sign of a transformed heart)
See parts one and two of these series for numbers one through four.
Forgiveness is a response to the forgiveness we have received in Jesus. It is a divine invitation to obey God; it is an act of generous worship.
Our lack of forgiveness is an insult to God, and there should be some fear of God in our refusal to forgive. Jesus says, if you don’t forgive your brothers and sisters, God will treat you like the master treated the unmerciful servant in the parable.
We are meant to forgive others out of obedient worship. Why? Because God has first forgiven us so generously, so compassionately, and so undeservedly.
Forgiving others is an obedient act of worship.
Jesus ends his parable by saying, “This is how my heavenly father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Forgiveness is not primarily an emotional transaction — you can forgive when you don’t feel like it. Still, God asks us to forgive, not just as a head exercise, but from the heart. Forgiveness flows from a heart that has been transformed by the gospel of Jesus and the Spirit of God.
And in this way, forgiveness is supernatural. We really cannot forgive apart from God’s Spirit at work in us. Forgiveness comes from a heart that is surrendered to Jesus and is being transformed by Jesus.
If you struggle to forgive, go back to Jesus and ask him for help, “Lord, help me forgive this person. Fill me up from the entire pool of your forgiveness resources. God, I need the supernatural power of the Spirit to forgive.”
If you struggle to forgive, there is some healing that still needs to happen in you, some grace you need to experience, and God wants to meet you there.
You are dripping in God’s love, in God’s forgiveness, in God’s redemption, in God’s freedom. You are swimming in it because of Jesus. Forgiveness is a supernatural sign that we’ve been changed. It’s a signpost pointing to God’s incredible Kingdom and the powerful way of Jesus.
For further reading:
What Is the First Thing Christians Should Know about Forgiveness?
What Is the Second Thing Christians Should Know about Forgiveness?
6 Beautiful Psalms That Teach Us about Forgiveness
What Is the Significance of Seventy-Times Seven in Forgiveness?
Do Christians Have to Keep Asking for Forgiveness for Their Sins?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Sinenkiy
This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit
Christianity.com.