“Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive.
And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive.”
Luke 17:3–4 (NRSV)
This week, we begin a new series of devotions for the month of July:
“Faith That Moves Mountains”
Today, we start with forgiveness. It’s based on Matthew 17:20, where Jesus says, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move because nothing is impossible with God.”
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Have you ever stood at the base of a mountain and wondered how you’d ever get to the other side? It would be great if you could just tell the mountain to move! Now imagine that mountain is unforgiveness—a weight on your chest, a tightness in your throat, a barrier between you and someone else… maybe even between you and God.
Jesus speaks directly to this in Luke 17. He tells His disciples that even if someone wrongs you seven times in one day—and repents each time—you are to forgive them. The disciples respond the way most of us probably would: “Increase our faith!”
Forgiveness isn’t easy. But Jesus makes a powerful point: It doesn’t take more faith—it takes the right kind of faith. Even faith the size of a mustard seed can move the mountain of unforgiveness. Why? Because it’s not the size of your faith that matters. It’s the object of your faith—Jesus.
Jesus began by warning about causing others to stumble, and then shifts to forgiving those who sin against us—even repeatedly. This isn’t hypothetical; it’s real-life, relational discipleship. And the disciples feel the tension. Forgiving once is hard. Forgiving repeatedly? That feels impossible.
That’s why they cry out, “Increase our faith!” They wanted a divine vending machine: push the right button, get the supernatural ability to forgive. But Jesus tells them, “You already have what you need.” A mustard seed’s worth of faith—that’s all it takes.
What does that kind of faith look like? It’s humble, obedient, and rooted in Christ. It’s not dramatic or flashy. It simply believes that God can do through us what we cannot do on our own.
Let’s be honest: forgiveness can feel like emotional surgery. It’s painful. It feels risky. And it can be misunderstood. But when we refuse to forgive, we chain ourselves to the very pain we long to be free from.
So how do we move forward?
1. Start with Repentance. Are you the one who caused someone else to stumble? Faith to forgive begins with faith to repent. Turn toward God, and if needed, turn toward the person you’ve hurt. Repentance opens the door to reconciliation.
2. Forgive… even if they haven’t repented yet. Jesus is clear that reconciliation is a two-way street, but forgiveness starts with you. If they haven’t apologized, pray for them. Release the offense to God. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong—it releases you from carrying it.
3. Let your faith grow. Don’t wait until you “feel” like forgiving. Let your faith lead your feelings. Faith is like a seed—it grows with practice. Each act of forgiveness waters the seed. Each prayer opens more room for grace.
And don’t forget: forgiveness isn’t a one-time action. It’s a lifestyle. As we are forgiven, so we forgive.
Let’s practice this breath prayer today and throughout the week: “I have faith to forgive… thank you, Jesus.” Say it under your breath. Say it while you walk, drive, work, or rest. Let the Spirit grow that seed of faith.
Final word: Forgiveness is never easy. But Jesus never said faith would be easy—only that it would be enough. With Him, even the smallest seed of faith can move the largest mountain in your heart. You are not alone. The God who forgave you empowers you to forgive others. He’s already placed within you everything you need to live free.
Will you trust Him with your pain? Will you forgive? You have what it takes.
Join me each week as we discover Jesus’ call to radical faith to forgive, heal, pray, and be humble.
See you next time!
Steve
