Devotional from Pastor Tim Chalas

Forgiveness is one of the most freeing yet misunderstood gifts of the gospel. We often see it as something we have to muster up to do—but can often fail to realize that forgiveness is something we already have in Christ. It’s not about striving to forgive; it’s about expressing what we’ve already received.

When Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive, he likely thought seven times was generous. But Jesus shattered that standard with “seventy times seven”—not to give a number, but to give a new mindset. Jesus was revealing a kingdom reality: forgiveness isn’t a religious duty; it’s a relational design. We were never meant to carry the sting of hurt, or the weight of bitterness and resentment. Forgiveness sets the forgiver free!

God forgave you not just for your benefit, but for His own pleasure (Ephesians 1:5). This is radical: 1 John 2 says that God forgave us for His sake. That may sound surprising, but it reveals His heart. He wanted a relationship with you so deeply that He removed everything that stood in the way—once and for all—through the cross. He counts no offense against you, and He calls you to extend that same grace to others.

In Christ, you are a forgiver by nature. Forgiving doesn’t mean excusing the offense—it means releasing it. To forgive is not to deny our hurt, but how we deal with it; not because the other person necessarily deserves it or even asks for it, but because you are free, and you’re designed to walk in the same grace you’ve received—giving it away freely, fully, and frequently.

“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” —Ephesians 4:32

‍