I just finished reading Matthew 18, about the servant who was forgiven much and then would not pardon a small debt owed to him. I never imagined I could be that guy; seems so obvious. Then my eyes land on verse 35 again -“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from your heart, does not forgive another’s trespasses.”  “From your heart” shouts at me! Do I truly, from my heart, forgive? What does that mean? What does it look like?

I need to look to You for answers.

You forgave as they hammered Your Flesh (Luke 23:34)! So even with intentional, hurtful, unrelenting offenses; even when others are unaware of their wrongdoing, I am to forgive.

You choose to remember my sins no more (Hebrews 8:12, Isaiah 43:25). You do not hold an account of my transgressions. Why then do I hold a long list of others’ wrongs in my heart?

Forgiving is endless, there is NEVER a time You do not forgive me (Matthew 18:22). Therefore, there is never a time I am not to forgive.

They brought You a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). You didn’t join in the frenzy of accusation, in fact looked down; perhaps to spare her one less set of eyes focused on her impropriety? So I am to forgive even if the offense is widely known and eliciting fervent, unforgiving excitement. I am to look away with respect, pray and forgive.

“From my heart”– how many times have I mouthed “I forgive”, but my heart has remained hostage to a bitter, sad unforgiving spirit?

How do I change?! Romans 7:24–O wretched person that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God-it is through Christ Jesus our Lord!

YOU will complete the work You have started; to empower me to truly forgive in my heart, to hold no accounts of wrongdoings, repeatedly if need be and even when the offender is unaware or unrepentant. I am absolutely helpless to purify my heart. Help me to bring quickly to You, as Your Holy Spirit reveals, any lack of forgiveness in my heart.