When You Feel Like You CAN'T Forgive Someone

Braden Pedersen leads today’s Back to the Bible Daily reflection on Matthew 18:21–35, exploring why forgiveness is a repeated posture, how remembering the magnitude of our own pardon helps us release grudges, and how refusing to forgive traps us in bitterness. Read: Read Matthew 18:21–35 slowly. Pay attention to Peter’s question, Jesus’ “stop counting” response, and the parable’s contrast between a massive debt forgiven and a small debt refused. Reflect: Ask yourself: Where am I keeping a ledger of offenses? How does remembering the size of my own forgiven debt change my heart toward this person? Notice the emotions that arise—anger, hurt, fear—and bring them before God. Respond: Practice forgiving again—silently release the debt to God, pray for the person who hurt you, or write a forgiveness letter you don’t send. If needed, set healthy boundaries while you release resentment. Repeat the act of forgiveness whenever the hurt returns. Reveal: Demonstrate the truth of this passage by showing grace in a tangible way—choose compassion in a conversation, share your story of struggle and forgiveness with a friend, or pray aloud with someone who needs to know forgiveness is possible. Short prayer: Ask God to give the grace to forgive again and to free you from the prison of bitterness so you can live in the freedom of His mercy. If this message helped you, subscribe to Back to the Bible Daily with Braden Pedersen and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Keywords: forgiveness, forgiving others, letting go of resentment, Matthew 18, Christian devotion, Back to the Bible Daily, Braden Pedersen, how to forgive, spiritual growth, prayer for forgiveness