New Year's Resolution 2026:
Be More Like Christ

LET US FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER / MATTHEW 18:21-35

1) Forgive without limit (Matthew 18:1-2)

“21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

2) Always show compassion (Matthew 18:23-27)

23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 “When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 “But since he adid not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. 26 “Therefore, the slave fell to the ground and was prostrating himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ 27 “And feeling compassion, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.

3) Do not be a wicked person (Matthew 18:28-30)

28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him one hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’

29 “So, his fellow slave fell to the ground and was pleading with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’

30 “But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed.

4) Expect discipline from your tormentors

(Matthew 18:31-35)

31 “So, when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. 32 “Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34 “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. 35 “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your hearts.”

“An anonymous saint of long ago wrote, Revenge, indeed, seems often sweet to men; but, oh, it is only sugared poison, only sweetened gall, and its aftertaste is bitter as hell. Forgiving, enduring love alone is sweet and blissful; it enjoys peace and the consciousness of God’s favour. By forgiving, it gives away and annihilates the injury. It treats the injurer as if he had not injured, and therefore feels no more the smart and sting that he had inflicted. Forgiveness is a shield from which all the fiery darts of the wicked one harmless rebound. Forgiveness brings heaven to earth, and heaven’s peace into the sinful heart. Forgiveness is the image of God, the forgiving Father, and an advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the world.” MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1985–1989). Matthew (Vol. 3, p. 156). Moody Press.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7

16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you do not do the things that you want.” Galatians 5:16–17

Bruce Wilkinson in his book 70x7:

“1. Forgive everyone who may have hurt you purposefully or accidentally.

2. Forgive everyone for every single one of their trespasses.

3. Forgive individuals and groups who caused wound.

4. Forgive individuals who are living or dead as the heart-wound remains.

5. Forgive individuals whether or not they ever apologise.

Bruce Wilkinson in his book 70x7:

6. Forgive individuals whether or not they change their behaviour.

7. Forgive individuals whether or not they make restitution.

8. Forgiving doesn’t mean you accept or condone their actions.

9. Forgiving doesn’t mean you don’t maintain healthy boundaries.

10. Forgiving doesn’t always mean your relationship is restored.