The Touch of Grace: A Devotional on Forgiveness

 

“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us”. (Matthew 6:12, NLT)

History tells us of Pericles, the great Greek statesman who lived five centuries before Christ, and how he responded to a persistent critic who seemed determined to make his life miserable. Each day, Pericles would walk from his home to the Athenian assembly, where he conducted public affairs. One particular day, a political opponent—filled with anger and resentment—waited along Pericles' route and unleashed a torrent of insults and threats upon him.

This wasn't a momentary outburst. When Pericles finished his duties at the assembly, the same man was waiting at the door, continuing his verbal assault all the way to a friend's house, where Pericles had been invited for dinner. Like a persistent shadow, this critic followed him throughout the entire day, never ceasing his offensive outbursts. As evening fell and Pericles made his way home, the harassment continued right to his doorstep.

Finally, in the darkness, the man tossed a few final insults at the closed door and began to retreat down the street. As he walked away, he noticed someone approaching with a torch cutting through the night's darkness. Curious and perhaps wary, he asked, "Who are you?"  The reply came with stunning grace: "I am a servant of Pericles. He sent me to light your way home safely."

How easy it is to feel the sting of bitterness when someone wounds us deeply. How natural it seems to carry that pain like heavy baggage, dragging it behind us wherever we go. But when we choose to shoulder this excess weight from our past, we inflict damage not only upon ourselves but upon those we love most.

As a pastor, I have witnessed the devastating effects of unforgiveness. I know people who, to this very day, nurse grudges over wounds inflicted 20, even 30 years ago. The details remain as fresh in their minds as if the offense happened yesterday. Some maintain detailed mental lists of those who have wronged them, secretly hoping for the day when they might extract their revenge.

This burden of bitterness becomes a prison of our own making. It colors every relationship, shadows every joy, and steals the peace that God intends for His children. The person who hurt us moves on with their life, often unaware of the ongoing pain they caused, while we remain chained to that moment of offense.

Perhaps you recognize yourself in this description. Maybe you know someone trapped in this cycle of resentment. If so, consider these powerful words from the Apostle Paul: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). These words are remarkably simple to understand yet incredibly difficult to put into practice. Forgiveness is never easy—anyone who claims otherwise has likely never faced deep betrayal or profound hurt. But here's the beautiful truth: what God commands, He also makes possible through His strength and grace.

When God calls us to forgive, He doesn't ask us to accomplish this in our own power. He provides the very grace we need to extend grace to others. The same divine love that reached down to forgive our countless sins against a holy God becomes the fountain from which we can draw mercy for those who have sinned against us.

Forgiveness doesn't mean we become doormats or pretend the offense never happened. It doesn't require us to immediately trust those who have broken our trust or to put ourselves in harm's way again. Rather, forgiveness is a decision to release our right to revenge and to entrust justice to God. This process may take time—sometimes considerable time. It may require the wisdom and guidance of a counselor or spiritual advisor. Some wounds run so deep that healing comes only in seasons, layer by layer, as God does His restorative work in our hearts.

But regardless of how severe the offense is, forgiveness remains possible. The God who forgave David's adultery and murder, who pardoned Paul's persecution of the church, who extended mercy to Peter despite his denial—this same God offers us the strength to forgive even the most grievous wrongs committed against us.

Like Pericles sending his servant with a torch to guide his critic safely home, we are called to be light bearers in a dark world. When we choose forgiveness over bitterness, grace over grudges, we become living testimonies to the transforming power of God's love. This doesn't make us weak—it makes us strong with the strength that comes from above. It doesn't make us foolish—it makes us wise with divine wisdom. It makes us free.

May the Lord bless you and keep you always as you walk this difficult but life-giving path of forgiveness.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, You know the hurts I carry and the grudges I've held. You understand the depth of pain that others have caused me, and you see how that pain has affected my heart. I confess that forgiveness feels impossible in my own strength.  Give me Your grace to begin this healing journey. Help me to release those who have wronged me into Your capable hands. Teach me to trust Your justice while extending Your mercy. Transform my heart from stone to flesh, from bitterness to blessing. In Jesus' name, Amen.