Forgive Over and Over – Can You Do It?

If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. Matthew 18:15-20

Meditate. Consider God’s command in Scripture. Forgive. Feel God’s presence and forgiveness in your life.

 

Forgiveness...
begins with prayer.

As Jesus taught His disciples…and us…to pray, He included a phrase about forgiving those who sin against us.

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15 (Underlined for emphasis.)

That is pretty strong. If someone refuses to forgive, God won’t forgive them. Whoa! That is a sad thing. No forgiveness from God is an eternal death sentence. Remember one must be pure to stand before God—and sin blocks purity. That purity is only ours if we ask for forgiveness from God. The ultimate choice is ours.

Just as Peter asked about the number of times to forgive (see Matthew 18), Jesus addressed that issue with His disciples in the book of Luke.

Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. Luke 17:4

Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told His followers that the Messiah was to suffer, die, and be resurrected. That happened. The Messiah is Jesus. He also talked about forgiveness.

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' Luke 24:47

James and Paul challenge us to help others—to be forgiving and to be involved in rescuing them from death—eternal death.

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

 

My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20

Forgiveness is a big deal. It is an integral part of any good relationship—with God or with others. How to do it? Basically, with God, get down on your knees and ask for forgiveness. Repent. With others? It will depend on the relationship and what exactly needs to be addressed. Face-to-face conversation is always best, but via FaceTime, just a phone call, even a text message or an e-mail is acceptable. There are no hard and fast rules—just humbling your heart before others is a good way to start. Prayer is often a key to forgiveness. Ask God to give you wisdom and the proper words to say—to Him and to others. Consider if and what you have to forgive others and offer that forgiveness to them. Make allowances for each other’s faults…even your own.

If you have any suggestions, please write a comment by clicking on No Comments below and let others know how you have dealt with forgiveness in your life.  Blessings ~

 

Prayer – Lord, forgive us our debts…as we forgive our debtors. Forgiveness is so important to my relationship with You, Lord God. Forgive me for not being more forgiving to others. You have forgiven me for so much.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

 

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Blessings on you and Jacob as you parent and live day by day for the Lord!

 

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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