Faith to Forgive: How Belief Empowers Freedom

“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”—Luke 17:5

It’s fascinating when you realize why the apostles cried out for more faith. It wasn't after a lesson on miracles. It wasn’t after watching Jesus feed thousands. It was after Jesus talked about forgiveness.

In Luke 17:3–4, Jesus says:

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

No wonder their immediate response was, “Lord, increase our faith!”

They understood: Forgiveness is not easy. It requires faith.

Pay Attention to Yourselves

Jesus’ first instruction is striking: "Pay attention to yourselves."

Before you deal with what someone else has done to you, pay attention to what is happening in you. Because if you don’t, unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness will take root—and ultimately, they will harm you more than anyone else.

It’s the old saying:

“Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

Forgiveness is about freedom—your freedom.

And faith is the key that unlocks that freedom.

Forgiveness Requires Faith

The disciples recognized something crucial:

To forgive like Jesus commands, we need faith.

Faith that God is just.

Faith that God is healer.

Faith that our own forgiveness can be and is real.

The real question becomes:

• What do you believe?
• In whom do you believe?
• Do you believe you have been forgiven—and deeply so?
• Will you, by faith, extend that same forgiveness to others?

Forgiveness Is a Step of Faith, Not a Feeling

I’ve learned that forgiveness is far less about how I feel, and far more about an act of faith to release someone who has hurt or offended me.  Betrayal, rejection, abuse—these wounds are real, and forgiveness doesn’t minimize the pain.  But forgiveness is the step of faith that says:

“I refuse to stay chained to this hurt.”

Jesus gives a vivid picture:

“You could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

Sometimes, unforgiveness feels like a mulberry tree—deeply rooted, immovable. But with faith, even that can be uprooted. Jesus said that the the power of our faith operating as we speak to the mulberry tree would cause it to move. And in the same way, the declaration of our faith to say “I forgive” moves unforgiveness!

How I Learned to Forgive by Faith

In my own journey, I discovered some practical steps:

• Remember that God has forgiven me.
 Regularly recalling my own need for mercy keeps my heart tender toward others.
• Declare forgiveness by faith.
 Even when my emotions don’t line up, I speak it out loud: “I forgive.” 
I often follow it by naming the individuals I need to forgive.
• Make it a daily declaration.
 Morning, evening, and every time pain, hurt, or internal energy surface —I declare forgiveness.

Over time, something incredible happens.

The emotional charge begins to lessen.

My heart grows lighter.

What starts as a choice of faith eventually becomes an experience of freedom.

I know I have fully forgiven when:

• I feel no more energy or anger toward the person.
• I can extend kindness and without forcing it.
• I genuinely wanted God's best for them and can willingly pray for them.

The Freedom of Forgiveness

Jesus made a strong statement in Matthew 6:14–15:

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others... neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

At first glance, it feels harsh.

But here’s what I believe Jesus meant:

Our unwillingness to forgive blocks us from experiencing the fullness of the freedom God’s forgiveness provides.

Unforgiveness doesn't make God love us less.

It just keeps us from living in the freedom and reward that forgiveness brings.

Final Thoughts: Ask for Faith

If forgiveness feels impossible, you're not alone…even the apostles knew they needed help.  So pray like they did: “Lord, increase my faith.”

Faith to forgive.

Faith to release.

Faith to live free.

And remember:

Forgiveness may start as an act of faith.

But when you stay with it, it becomes an experience of real, soul-deep freedom.

Forgive by faith—until it becomes your reality.