Forgive as You’ve Been Forgiven

[Jesus said] “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Luke 17:3-4

When someone repents of a sin, Jesus tells us to forgive freely, fully, and immediately. There’s no probationary period or list of hoops to jump through. There is no time delay until we feel ready. We forgive as God has forgiven us.

But that’s not easy. Our sinful hearts often want to hold on to anger, to demand repayment, or to wait until the other person proves they deserve it. And the world tells us it’s normal, even healthy, to cling to a grudge.

Yet forgiveness is powerful. In 2006, firefighter Matt Swatzell was driving home after a 24-hour shift when he fell asleep at the wheel. He crashed into another car, killing a young mother and her unborn child. Her husband, Erik Fitzgerald, was left to raise their toddler alone while burying his wife and baby.

Erik could have demanded the harshest possible sentence. But instead, he forgave Matt. He even asked the court for a lighter punishment. Erik explained, “You forgive as you’ve been forgiven. It wasn’t an option. If you’ve been forgiven, then you need to extend that forgiveness.”

That act of mercy changed Matt’s life. Crushed with guilt and depression, he found hope in the forgiveness Erik gave. He even began attending church, seeking the God who makes such forgiveness possible.

This is what Jesus calls us to. Not because sin is small, but because God’s grace is bigger. On the cross, Jesus bore every offense we’ve committed. He doesn’t ration forgiveness or make us earn it. He gives it freely, every time we repent.

So, when someone comes to you saying, “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” the response of faith is simple: forgive. Not seven times, not seventy times, but every time. Because that’s how God has forgiven you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, your forgiveness never runs dry. Thank you for carrying my sins to the cross and canceling every debt I owed. Help me reflect your mercy by forgiving others freely and fully, just as you have forgiven me. Amen.

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