How Can I Find the Strength to Forgive Again? Matthew 18

Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of personal relationships and spiritual growth, but how many times do you have to forgive someone?

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] Forgiveness is hard

[5:30] Sweet release

[7:00] Matthew 18

[16:20] Because you are forgiven

[21:15] 3 steps to forgiveness

[23:30] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Matthew 18:21-35

2 Corinthians 5:21

Forgiveness is hard, especially in the context of betrayal and wrongdoing. When someone wrongs us in some way, it can be hard to forgive them. I think a lot of that has to do with how forgiveness has been defined. 

Forgiveness does NOT mean what the other person did to you was okay. Forgiveness is NOT saying, “It’s okay,” when it’s not okay. Forgiveness is NOT a feeling. 

Forgiveness is releasing someone of the debt they owe you. 

Talk about hard. This is why forgiveness can be painful. It has to be a choice and it’s a process. You may need to reach out to another believer to get support and pray to God for help in walking through the process of forgiveness.

“Forgive those who hurt you or your hurt may never end.”

Let’s look at Matthew 18:21-35.

Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. Jesus responds with a parable about a king who settles accounts with his servants, highlighting the limitless nature of forgiveness.

The servant in the parable was forgiven a large debt by his master, but then he refused to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by another servant. The master punished the unforgiving servant by putting him in prison until he could pay all of his debt.

The servant's refusal to forgive highlights the importance of showing compassion and mercy to others because we have been forgiven much ourselves. Failure to forgive others can negatively impact our relationship with God and hinder our walk with Him.

This might mean that you forgive others even if they never asked for forgiveness. Letting go of past hurts and forgiving others is for your personal healing and growth.

One way to find forgiveness can be summed up in this 3-step process: 

I choose to forgive: The first step is to let go and choose to forgive. This begins the healing process. 

I am forgiving: The second step of forgiveness is the longest. It may require that you seek help and support in processing your hurt.

I have forgiven: The third step is being in a place of forgiveness. You no longer hold onto the hurt you had.

Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling, and requires effort and time. It also requires that we seek God through prayer and reading the Bible. We may also need to seek help from other brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Though forgiveness is difficult, it can be accomplished and it will support your healing and freedom.