Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful ideas in the Christian faith, and one of the most difficult to put into practice.

Most of us know what it’s like to be hurt, disappointed, or let down by others. Sometimes the wounds are small and quickly forgotten. Sometimes they run much deeper. In those moments, forgiveness can feel less like a gift and more like a challenge.

Yet the Bible repeatedly points us towards a God whose response to human failure is mercy. Again and again, God rescues, restores, and makes a way forward where none seems possible. The story of the Exodus reminds us that God led his people from fear and captivity into freedom.

The New Testament takes this theme a step further. Paul encourages Christians to treat one another with grace rather than judgement, recognising that each person belongs to the Lord. Jesus then speaks directly about forgiveness, telling the parable of a servant who receives extraordinary mercy, but struggles to extend that same mercy to someone else.

Perhaps the challenge of forgiveness is that it asks us to release something we’ve been carrying. Resentment, anger, and old hurts can become like a heavy backpack that we drag through life. We may grow so accustomed to the weight that we forget it’s there. Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending that wrongs don’t matter, nor does it mean excusing harmful behaviour. Rather, it means refusing to allow bitterness to have the final word.

When we remember the grace we’ve received from God, we discover a different way of living. Forgiveness becomes less about keeping score and more about making room for healing, reconciliation, and freedom.

We’ve been forgiven. We’re being transformed by grace. We’re called to forgive.

Note: This devotional is based on worship I led at Stockton Salvation Army on Sunday 13 September 2026, you can see my full notes by clicking here.