More Than a StorySample

When you were younger and would fight or argue with a sibling or a friend, did your mom ever force you to apologize? Not just a "sorry" that you huffed under your breath, but one where you had to "mean it"—or at least make it look like you did. Maybe you got really good at making it seem genuine while she was watching, only to go right back to arguing once she left the room. That kind of forgiveness—one that’s just for show—isn’t what Jesus had in mind.

In Matthew 18:35, Jesus makes it clear that true forgiveness has to come “from the heart.” This means that simply saying the words isn’t enough. God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts, and He wants our forgiveness to be genuine - not just a performance to keep the peace temporarily. If we forgive only outwardly but still hold onto bitterness, resentment, or wanting revenge, then we haven’t truly forgiven in the way God calls us to.

Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible and is incredibly important to God. In Matthew 6:12, 14-15—part of the Lord’s Prayer—Jesus says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.” These verses show us that our own forgiveness from God is directly tied to how we forgive others. If we refuse to forgive, we create a barrier between ourselves and God.

Forgiveness isn’t always easy. Most of the time, it’s not; the wounds are deep, and the pain doesn’t just disappear overnight. True forgiveness is a choice—one that comes from a heart that understands how much we have been forgiven by God. When we recognize the depth of God’s mercy toward us, it becomes easier to extend that same mercy to others. Let’s strive to forgive not just with words, but with hearts that truly let go, trusting God to bring healing and peace. Spend the next week praying that God will soften your heart and help you become open to forgiving the person you need to forgive.