When Forgiveness Feels Like Losing

Scripture: Matthew 18:21–22 (NRSV):  Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” ²² Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

Devotional Thought:Forgiveness feels unfair until you remember how much God has forgiven you. Peter thought forgiving seven times was generous, but Jesus hit him with “seventy-seven.” Translation? Keep forgiving. Not because they earned it, but because you deserve peace.

And peace doesn’t hang out where bitterness lives. Forgiveness doesn’t mean trust is automatically restored. It doesn’t mean the pain didn’t happen. It just means you’re choosing freedom over resentment.

You don’t have to win the argument. Win your peace. That’s the holy flex.

One of the hardest questions for us to answer when we are deeply injured or offended is “Do you want to be right or do you want to be in right relationship?” I hope that each of will choose to be in right relationship more often than not!

Emotional Intelligence Focus:Relationship Repair

Reflection Question:Who or what are you still holding hostage in your heart?

Prayer:God, help me release what I’ve been rehearsing. Free me from unforgiveness. Heal the wounds they left and remind me I’m not what they did. Let Your peace rule in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.