The Transformative Power of Forgiveness: Loving Even When We Know They’ll Betray Us

Hello Beautiful Souls,

This year, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on the virtue of forgiveness and the profound power it holds. In moments of self-examination, I realized that forgiveness isn’t just a gift we give to others—it’s a transformative release for ourselves. So, I made a conscious decision to forgive those who have hurt me and to open my heart to new connections, unburdened by past pain. Even for those who continue to do wrong, I’ve chosen to forgive, and in doing so, I’ve felt the transformative power of forgiveness an incredible sense of relief and a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Forgiveness can be one of the hardest virtues to practice. As I walked through this process, I found myself drawn to the example of Jesus and the way He showed forgiveness. Often, we’re faced with people who wrong us, hurt us, or simply don’t seem worthy of our kindness. And yet, as Christians, we’re called to a higher standard. Jesus showed us the ultimate example of forgiveness in how He treated Judas, knowing full well the betrayal that lay ahead. He didn't reject or treat him differently but welcomed him with love and grace. This example has deepened my understanding of forgiveness and the strength it takes to love unconditionally.

Knowing Yet Loving

Jesus, being all-knowing, fully understood Judas’s heart and the choices he would make. He knew Judas would betray Him for thirty pieces of silver, leading to His crucifixion. Yet, Jesus didn’t turn Judas away. Instead, He included Judas among His disciples, washed his feet, broke bread with him, and continued to love him. This example taught me that even those who may not have pure intentions still deserve respect and compassion.

"But now thus says the Lord, He who created you... ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’" — Isaiah 43:1.

God calls each of us, despite knowing our flaws. He has redeemed us and invites us into relationship, knowing every choice we’ll make.

We Are Known by God

Just as God knew Jeremiah before he was even born, He knows each of us deeply and intimately. Despite this knowledge, He still loves us unconditionally. This reminds me that God’s love is not based on our worthiness but on His own perfect nature.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” — Jeremiah 1:5.

God knows each of us, yet He calls us all to His love. Our call is to extend that same love and grace to others, even when they disappoint us.

God’s Patience and Grace in Our Own Sin

What struck me recently was how God continues to give me chances to repent, even though He knows my nature and the sin I will commit. Despite all of this, He remains faithful and offers forgiveness over and over. This is not because we deserve it, but because of His boundless love and mercy. It reminds me of the way He forgives us, knowing full well the depths of our flaws and mistakes.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” — Isaiah 55:9.

God’s forgiveness and patience go beyond anything we can fully comprehend. He offers us a chance to turn back to Him, no matter how many times we fall short. This is the same grace we are called to extend to others—offering forgiveness not because they’ve earned it, but because God first forgave us.

Forgiving as God Forgives

Jesus’s teachings about forgiveness challenge us to go beyond mere tolerance. In Matthew 18:22, He tells Peter to forgive "seventy times seven" times, which symbolizes an endless capacity for mercy. This mirrors God’s own infinite forgiveness, as described by the prophet Micah:

“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression... He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.” — Micah 7:18

When we choose to forgive, we reflect God’s heart. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning wrongdoing; it’s about releasing ourselves from bitterness and choosing love over judgment.

Beyond Measure: Forgiving Those Who Hurt Us

Jesus highlighted forgiveness as one of the highest virtues. In Genesis 4:24, we see a glimpse of how human vengeance contrasts with God’s mercy:

“If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.” — Genesis 4:24

Jesus reverses this model of retaliation by telling us to forgive endlessly. Just as He loved and gave chances to all His disciples, we too should give others the grace to change, no matter how many times they may fall short.

Jesus’s Love for Judas – A Lesson in Radical Love and Forgiveness

Jesus’s love for Judas exemplifies that He did not pick favorites; He treated Judas the same as the other disciples. Despite knowing Judas’s ultimate choice, He gave him every opportunity to choose love and redemption. This teaches us that forgiveness means leaving room for others to change. True forgiveness also means treating everyone with the dignity they deserve, not because they earn it, but because God calls us to do so.

Practicing forgiveness and treating people with respect and love, even when they hurt us, is a difficult task. However, when we remember Jesus’s example, we find strength and purpose in this challenge. He forgave endlessly, loved unconditionally, and showed us the depth of true forgiveness. By following His example, we not only free ourselves from bitterness but also invite others into an experience of grace they may have never known.

In the end, let’s remember Jesus’s words from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” - Luke 23:34. If Jesus could offer forgiveness in His darkest moment, then with His strength, we too can forgive and love others—even those who betray us.

Love,

Sarina x