In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on one of the most difficult things Jesus asks us to do: forgive.

Forgiveness sounds easy when we talk about it. But when someone has genuinely hurt us, betrayed our trust, or caused us pain, forgiveness can be very difficult.

In today’s Gospel, Peter comes to Jesus and asks: 

“Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”

Peter probably thought he was being very generous. But Jesus answers:

“Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” 

Jesus is not asking us to count how many times we forgive someone. He is teaching us that there should be no limit to our willingness to forgive.

Jesus then tells the parable of the unforgiving servant.

A servant owes his master an enormous debt, far more than he could ever repay. The master has compassion on him and forgives the whole debt.

But that same servant then meets someone who owes him a much smaller amount. Instead of showing the mercy he has received, he refuses to forgive.

The message is clear: because we have received God’s forgiveness, we are called to forgive others.

Every day we come before God knowing that we need his mercy. We make mistakes. We say things we regret. We sometimes hurt others.

And yet God continues to forgive us.

Psalm 103 reminds us: “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” 

That is the God we come to worship today. 

We see this in the story of Joseph in Genesis.

Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. Years later, Joseph had the power to take revenge. But instead, he chose forgiveness.

He said to his brothers:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”

Joseph did not pretend that the hurt had never happened. But he chose not to allow anger and bitterness to control his life.

That is an important lesson for us. Forgiveness does not mean that what happened was right. It means that we choose not to let hatred have the final word.

We know very well that forgiveness is not a single moment. Sometimes we have to forgive the same person in our hearts again and again.

It is hard to forget the hurt. But with God’s grace, we can choose to forgive and place the person and the situation into God’s hands. And when we do that, we can trust that God can bring something good even out of the most painful situations. And that is where a new beginning can begin. 

And today, these words about forgiveness have a particularly beautiful meaning because Tilly will be baptised today.

Tilly’s Baptism is a celebration of new life, new beginnings and God’s love.

Today, Tilly is being welcomed into the family of God. Through baptism, she begins a journey of faith, surrounded by her family, friends, godparents and the Church.

Tilly, today we celebrate God’s love for you. We pray that as you grow, you will always know that you are loved by God and that you belong to his family.

And to Tilly’s parents and godparents, today is not only a celebration but also a commitment. 

You are promising to help Tilly grow in faith, to teach her about Jesus, to pray with her and for her, and to show her through your own lives what it means to follow Christ.

And perhaps today’s Gospel gives you one particularly important gift to pass on to Tilly:

Teach her how to forgive.

She will grow up in a world where people sometimes hurt one another, friendships sometimes break, and mistakes are made.

Teach her that saying “I’m sorry” matters.

Teach her that saying “I forgive you” can bring healing.

Teach her that asking God for forgiveness is always possible.

And, most importantly, let Tilly see forgiveness lived out in your family, not simply taught with words, but shown through your actions.

Because children learn so much by watching the people they love.

Tilly’s Baptism is also a reminder to all of us who are already baptised.

Baptism calls us to a new way of living, a life shaped by Christ.

So perhaps today we can each ask ourselves:

Who do I need to forgive? 

Is there someone I am still holding on to anger against?

Where might I need to take the first step towards reconciliation?

Perhaps we cannot solve everything today. But we can begin with a prayer:

“Lord, I cannot forgive on my own. Give me your grace. Heal my heart and help me to let go of bitterness.”

As we come to the Eucharist, we remember that we come before God not because we are perfect, but because we are loved, forgiven and welcomed. In today’s reading Paul reminds us that “whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”

Through baptism we become part of Christ and belong to him. We are the Lord’s people.

And as we celebrate Tilly’s Baptism today, may we all remember that God’s grace gives us the possibility of a new beginning.

May Tilly grow in the love of God. May her family be strengthened in faith.

And may all of us learn to forgive as we have been forgiven, to show mercy as we have received mercy, and to live as one family in Christ. Amen.

Readings: Matthew 18:21–35

Preacher: Rev’d Saji Dominic

Location: St John’s Church Peterborough UK