SAINT CLARE, VIRGIN (MEMORIAL)

. . . forgives . . . from [the] heart.

It’s a familiar parable. A king forgives his servant a tremendous debt, just as God has forgiven us with his immeasurable mercy. And what is our “debt”? It’s the obedience and love we owe to our heavenly Father. It’s a huge debt that we’ve defaulted on by our sins—a debt we can never repay. But God has canceled that debt, “nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).

This is such good news that it’s easy to stop right there and offer a heartfelt “Thanks be to God!” But take some time to ponder the second half of Jesus’ parable and his words about forgiving one another “from [the] heart” (Matthew 18:35).

Those three words are troubling. Though the mind acknowledges, “I have to forgive,” the heart declares, “It’s too hard.” But Jesus assures us that it’s not impossible. He is not issuing an ultimatum—forgive or else; he’s extending an invitation. He is offering you a chance to exchange the weight of unforgiveness for the light mantle of your Father’s love, a chance to set your own heart free as you forgive.

You know who your debtors are—who took what from you. Maybe someone you relied on stole your trust through deceit. Maybe your view of the goodness in others was stolen through neglect or abuse. Or maybe harsh words robbed you of self-esteem. Discovering the wound is the first step toward healing. Pay attention to where the pain still lives in your heart and where the memories still burn in your mind. Then ask the Holy Spirit to show you the debts that are owed to you, the things that can never be repaid.

And then, in the light of God’s merciful love, make the decision to cancel the debt. Ask the Spirit to help you, especially when it seems hard. Forgive. Seventy-seven times, if you have to. What starts as an act of the will can lead to an encounter with God. He will help you see the wounds you have endured from his perspective. He will also give you compassion for those who have hurt you, even those who have hurt you deeply.

Let Jesus heal you so that you can forgive from the heart. Let him help you replace the IOU in it with his love and mercy.

“Lord, you know where my heart is hard. Please help me want to forgive!”

Ezekiel 12:1-12
Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62
Matthew 18:21-19:1