Life, people, and even our own actions often don’t go according to our expectations. When that happens, the result is often disappointment, resentment, or shame. In those moments, God calls us to forgive—not only others who have hurt us, but also ourselves when we fall short of who we hoped to be.

Forgiveness is difficult and often counterintuitive because it requires surrendering all judgment to God—even our judgment of ourselves. But in doing so, we open ourselves to God's grace. And through His power, rather than our own strength, we become able to forgive others—freely and often.

Most importantly, forgiveness is not just a command Jesus gave to His disciples; it is foundational to the Christian life. It is both an extension and an acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

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Scripture: Luke 17: 1-10

Jesus[a] said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! 2 It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard! If another disciple[b] sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent”, you must forgive.’

5 The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ 6 The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a[c] mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you.

7 ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? 8 Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!”’