Forgiveness is one of the hardest things Jesus asks of us, especially when the hurt is deep and the wounds leave a lasting mark. In Matthew 18:21–35, Peter asks Jesus how many times we are expected to forgive, and Jesus’ answer reminds us that grace is not something we can simply measure or keep count of.
As we also remember the events of September 11, we are reminded that forgiveness does not mean forgetting, excusing what was wrong, or ignoring the need for justice. It means refusing to allow hurt, anger, and hatred to have the final word. Because we have been recipients of God’s incredible mercy, we are called to become people who carry that mercy into a broken world.
Consider where God may be asking you to loosen your grip on an old hurt—not because what happened didn’t matter, but because your heart matters too.
