By Let’s be honest. Some of the things Jesus said about forgiveness sound demanding.
Like, “If you don’t forgive, your Father won’t forgive you” (Matthew 6:15).
Yikes, right?
But here’s what I’ve learned. Jesus wasn’t trying to threaten us. He was revealing something deeper.
Back then, people believed they had to earn God’s blessings by following every rule perfectly. So in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus turned up the intensity, giving them the law in its most extreme form.
Things like plucking out your eye if it causes you to sin, being as perfect as God, and yes, forgiving everyone—even when it hurts.
Not to trap them.
But to do what law was ultimately meant to do: lead them to cry out for mercy. To the moment they’d realize, “I can’t do this. I need a Savior!”
And that’s exactly what He came to be.
So no, forgiveness isn’t a threat. It’s not a law you have to follow to stay in God’s good graces.
It’s a gift. A way to live free. And it flows from the grace you’ve already received.
When you know you’re loved and forgiven by God, forgiveness flows more naturally.
Not always easily, but more freely. (See 2 Peter 1:9.)
So if you’re struggling to forgive, it’s okay. You’re still good with God. Let His love remind you who you are. And from that place, forgiveness becomes possible.
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Still wrestling with forgiveness? I go deeper into this in my Good News & Good Advice series. It’s packed with biblical encouragement and practical tools to help you forgive, heal and move forward. Get the full series today for your donation of any amount.