“For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.” (vv. 14-15)

Maybe you found that alarming. Jesus teaches—explicitly, unequivocally—that you might not be forgiven. And His rubric is simultaneously simple and daunting.

Do you claim a forgiven identity in Christ? Then you must also be a forgiver.

This is what it means to be conformed to His likeness, which is a sanctifying gift of grace, given through the Holy Spirit. If the Gospel—if faith—saves us so that we’ll look like Him, then it must save us to forgive. You can’t plead for His mercy while denying them yours. Your taste of His grace will compel you to set your own tables with grace, too.

Which means it’s time for some challenging introspection.

Who do you need to forgive?

Who do you need to welcome home?

Who do you need to release—from your anger, from what they owe, or from the purgatory of radio silence?

Whatever they did to you, know that your own transgressions against Holy God are far worse and far more. The magnitude of His mercy for you ought to stun you. And, knowing it, it ought to open your heart to mercy for them.

Begin with a prayerful, personal forgiveness, for them in your heart. Then, so far as it is safe and legal, welcome them back to your table. Tell of mercy—yours, and His.

— Tyler