Forgiveness Is Key

The famous rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid movies and Cobra Kai series on Netflix highlights how unforgiveness traps us in bitterness. Decades of unresolved hurt poison their families, their friendships, and their future— showing how holding onto pain destroys far more than it protects.

Forgiveness is hard. It’s one of the most challenging things Jesus calls us to do, but without it, bitterness and pain take root in our hearts, and we stay stuck.

The truth is simple but not easy: forgiveness is key in three critical ways— between God and me, you and me, and me and me.

1. Forgiveness Is Key Between God and Me

“But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.” —Jesus (Luke 15:20)

In the familiar story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24), the younger son expects rejection after his failure. Instead, his father runs to him with open arms, fully restoring him to the family without hesitation.

Do you see God as a distant judge keeping score, or as a loving father eager to embrace you? Unforgiveness often starts with how we view God. If we think he’s harsh or keeps a record of our wrongs, it’s impossible to extend forgiveness to others— even to ourselves.

Challenge

Have you fully received God’s forgiveness?
Are you living as if his grace isn’t enough?

When you embrace the forgiveness God offers, your heart changes. It opens the way for true healing.

2. Forgiveness Is Key Between You and Me

“Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” —Jesus (Matthew 18:33)

In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus tells the story of an unforgiving servant. After being forgiven a massive debt, he refuses to forgive someone else for a much smaller amount.

We feel the tension here because when someone hurts us, we want fairness. But God’s Kingdom isn’t about fairness— it’s about forgiveness. Holding onto hurt chains you to the offender. Okay, I’m not suggesting to excuse their actions, but to forgive them. The alternative locks you in a prison cell of bitterness. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is the key that sets you free.

Challenge

Are you clinging to bitterness because someone hurt you?
Are you willing to let go and trust God to handle the justice?

Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrongs. It means trusting God as the ultimate judge.

3. Forgiveness Is Key Between Me and Me

“But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends.’” —Jesus (Luke 15:29)

In the same story of the Prodigal Son, the older brother can’t let go of his bitterness. He stays in his prison cell outside the celebration, angry and resentful.

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die, but often, the person we struggle most to forgive is ourselves. Whether it’s regret over something you’ve done or pain you’ve held onto for too long, unforgiveness keeps you stuck. Forgiveness is the key to stepping out of that prison. You know what that prison feels like and it’s real.

Challenge

Is there something you need to forgive yourself for?
Are you allowing bitterness to make you bitter— or letting God make you better?

Where Do You Stand?

Forgiveness isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily choice to surrender to God’s way over our own.

Remember: forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing. It’s about releasing the burden to God and allowing him to heal our heart.

Practical Steps:

Reflect: Who do you need to forgive?
Surrender: Where do you need to release control and trust God
Pray: Ask God to help you forgive and heal your heart.

Prayer

Father- We surrender our hurt to you. Thank you for forgiving us. Teach us to forgive others, ourselves, and to live in your freedom. In Jesus name Amen.