Living New: Choosing Forgiveness

Welcome! Today we’ll be focusing on Matthew 6:14-15, and all quotations made in this devotional will be that of THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE (AMP).

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus warns:

For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.

Years ago, I discovered my boyfriend had cheated on me. It wasn’t his first offense, but this time it was physical. At the time, I knew about God but wasn’t truly living for Him. In hopes of keeping my boyfriend happy, I gave myself to him—naively believing it would help. Instead, it only left me more broken. God tells us to wait until marriage for a reason.

When I learned he had given himself to another girl—someone who openly lied to me and inserted herself into my relationship—my heart shattered. Why her? Why wasn’t I enough?

Pain and betrayal weren’t new to me, but this relationship had felt like the one safe place in my life. When that crumbled, I was consumed by anger and hate. I resented happy people, assumed the worst in everyone, and wanted others to hurt the way I did. Panic attacks, exhaustion, and restless nights full of revenge-filled dreams became my norm. I was trapped in my own personal hell.

That dark season showed me just how much I needed Jesus. Today, I live with Matthew 6:14–15 etched in my heart: we must forgive if we want to be forgiven. Unforgiveness only hardens your heart—I’ve lived it. Through prayer, tears, and God’s Word, He healed me.

Forgiving your enemies won’t be easy, but I know you can do the same. Start by crying out to God, asking Him to guide you in your journey to forgive your offenders. And, as soon as you feel up to it, begin praying for them (Matthew 5:44).