Forgiveness. It’s one of the hardest things to give and, sometimes, even harder to receive. In a world hell-bent on revenge, forgiveness can often seem like weakness. But Jesus shows us something radically different. His life and teachings reveal that forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather, the ultimate expression of love—both for others and for ourselves. And nowhere is this more powerfully demonstrated than in the radical mercy of God.
Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Here we have a son who takes everything his father has given him for granted, squandering it all on reckless living. His poor choices cause him to lose everything his father had graciously provided. By all accounts, this foolish son appears to deserve rejection and punishment. But what does the father do? He doesn’t demand restitution or repayment. Instead, he runs to embrace his lost son with open arms, rejoicing that he has returned. This is the heart of God’s forgiveness—a heart always ready to welcome us back, no matter how far we’ve strayed.
The life of Jesus was the ultimate demonstration of this mercy. Even in the face of unimaginable suffering and injustice on the cross, Jesus didn’t cry out for vengeance. He didn’t raise an army while appealing to his basic human rights. Instead, hear what He says of all who mocked, disavowed, betrayed, and crucified him: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). That’s the God we serve—one whose mercy knows no bounds. A God whose forgiveness reaches even those who nailed Him to the cross, without hesitation or condition.
The Apostle Peter once asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus responded, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22). Of course, Jesus wasn’t giving us a number to keep track of. He was revealing to us that God’s forgiveness is limitless. It flows from a heart of infinite love, and it’s not something we can earn. It’s a gift.
So too, God’s forgiveness is restorative, not punitive. God desires reconciliation, not payback. When we accept this forgiveness, it frees us from guilt, shame, and fear, and brings us into the fullness of His love.
But it doesn’t stop there. God calls us to forgive others as He has forgiven us. Jesus said, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). This isn’t because God’s forgiveness is conditional or transactional, but because forgiveness is the natural outflow of a heart transformed by mercy. When we forgive, we are reflecting God’s heart. We’re showing the world what God’s love truly looks like.
However, if we hold on to bitterness and refuse to forgive, it reveals that we haven’t fully grasped or accepted God’s forgiveness in our own lives. It’s not that God hasn’t forgiven us—His forgiveness is always available. Instead, it’s that we cut ourselves off from fully experiencing it because our hearts are hardened by unforgiveness. Our refusal to forgive creates a barrier that prevents us from receiving the fullness of God’s grace. Simply put, God’s forgiveness is always there, but an unforgiving heart blocks us from embracing it. Jesus calls us to forgive not only for the sake of others, but so that we can live in the freedom and grace that come from His unconditional love.
In a culture that exalts “eye for eye” vengeance, forgiveness is one of the most countercultural acts we can perform. It’s a radical way to live out the gospel in our everyday lives. When we forgive, we let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). This is the Great Commission!
God’s mercy is always available. No matter how far we’ve wandered, His arms are open wide, waiting for us to return. And as we experience His forgiveness, we are called to pass it on, bringing the light of God’s mercy into a world that desperately needs it.
You are never out of reach.
Look—your Father is running toward you with open arms with infinite love. Will you run to embrace Him and receive His love and forgiveness?