The Power of Forgiveness

THE crowd that watched Jesus heal the paralytic responded enthusiastically to His dramatic display of power (Matthew 9:8). But they overlooked His more significant ability to forgive sins—a power that deeply troubled the scribes (Matthew 9:2-3).

The power of forgiveness is immeasurable. Jesus challenged us as His followers to forgive others who have wronged or hurt us (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35). That may seem like a simple act, but anyone who has struggled with pain and anger knows that it takes enormous power to authentically forgive—to lay aside one’s hurt and reach out to an offender with the embrace of a pardon. On the other side, forgiveness can release the wrongdoer from paralyzing guilt and even turn around the course of that person’s life (James 5:19-20).

Forgiveness is as powerful and liberating as the healing of a paralytic. And it’s a power that Jesus has delegated to His followers (John 20:23). We are called to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13).

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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