Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
One day, Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21). Jesus’ reply must have surprised him: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
In those days, rabbis taught that forgiving someone three times was sufficient. Peter, thinking he was being generous, suggested seven times. But Jesus’ response showed that true forgiveness has no limit. It is not about keeping count; it is about keeping the heart free from bitterness and bondage. Forgiving someone repeatedly may seem difficult, but Jesus knew that an unforgiving heart is a prison. True freedom lies in letting go.
So, what does it mean to equip to forgive? To forgive is not just an act but a practice that requires preparation. Just as a soldier equips himself with armour before battle, a believer must equip his heart with grace, humility, and the love of Christ to truly forgive. Forgiveness is not forgetting or excusing wrongdoing but choosing to release the burden of resentment and entrusting justice to God.
Why Should We Forgive?
- Because God First Forgave Us – “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13). We have all sinned, yet God, in His mercy, has forgiven us. If we do not forgive others, we forget the grace we have received.
- To Break the Chains of Bitterness – Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. It keeps us in spiritual bondage and robs us of peace.
- Forgiveness Transforms Lives – It is a testimony of Christ’s love. When we forgive, we reflect Jesus, who even on the cross prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Forgiveness in Action
Let’s look at Joseph, who was betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and left to suffer. He had every reason to be bitter. Years later, when he became a ruler in Egypt and his brothers stood before him, afraid for their lives, he had the power to take revenge. But instead, he told them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” (Genesis 50:20). He chose to see God’s hand in his suffering rather than hold on to resentment. His forgiveness not only restored his family but also fulfilled God’s greater plan.
Centuries later, we see this same spirit of forgiveness in action- not in a royal palace but in a tragedy that shook our nation. In our modern times, one of the greatest testimonies of forgiveness is that of Gladys Staines, the wife of Australian missionary Graham Staines, who was burned alive along with their two young sons by an extremist mob in India. Just like Joseph, she had every reason to be consumed by hatred. Yet, instead of seeking vengeance, she publicly forgave the killers and chose to stay in India to continue serving the poor. When asked why she forgave, she simply said, “Jesus forgave me, and I forgive others.” Her act of forgiveness was a powerful witness of Christ’s love, shaking even the hardest of hearts.
What Happens When We Don’t Forgive?
Many people come to church, sing hymns, pray, and worship and yet hold grudges in their hearts. This unforgiveness becomes a spiritual burden that blocks God’s blessings.
- It keeps us in bondage – Jesus warned, “If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15)
- It affects our prayers – Unforgiveness creates a wall between us and God.
- It leads to bitterness – A heart full of resentment cannot experience true joy and peace.
We live in a time where love is growing cold (Matthew 24:12). Families are breaking, friendships are falling apart, and hatred is spreading quickly. On social media, people argue, accuse, and cancel others instead of forgiving. Rather than seeking peace, many choose to block, ignore, and walk away from relationships.
Unforgiveness leads to bitterness, and bitterness poisons everything it touches. It affects our mental, emotional, and even physical health. Studies have shown that people who hold grudges are more prone to anxiety, depression and stress. But more importantly, it affects our spiritual life. A heart full of resentment cannot experience the joy and peace of Christ.
Forgiveness is Freedom!
True forgiveness does not make us weak; it sets us free. It does not mean we forget the pain, but we release the right to seek revenge. It allows us to live in peace, healing, and the fullness of God’s grace.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
If Joseph could forgive his brothers, if Gladys Staines could forgive those who murdered her family, and if Jesus could forgive those who nailed Him to the cross, can we not also choose to forgive?
Many of us have been hurt deeply; maybe by family, friends, or even within the church. But today, God is calling us to let go. To surrender our pain to Him and allow His love to heal our wounds. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is necessary. It is not for the benefit of those who wronged us, but for the freedom of our own souls.
Let us not remain in the bondage of anger and resentment but walk in the freedom that comes with grace and love.
May God equip us with the strength to forgive as He has forgiven us. Amen.
