Earlier verses in our study of forgiveness often focused on forgiving others in cases where they sinned against us. The language Jesus uses here is intentionally more broad. Jesus knew that we often take offense and hold things against others that are not even really based in sins against us. We perceive all kinds of slights, we erect walls, and we hold grudges. Offense, pride, and wanting the moral high ground are a part of our fallen nature. Of course, Jesus really meant that anyone means anyone, and anything means anything.

Jesus does not make a separate category for offenses or grudges that are deserved or justified. He speaks to our hearts. When we stand praying, we are told to examine our own hearts and ask, “Do I hold anything against anyone?” Those offenses and grudges block our heavenly Father from forgiving our sins. If we are honest, we need God's help even seeing the grudges we hold, much less forgiving them from our hearts.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I confess there are times I am tempted not to examine my heart for the offenses and grudges I hold on to. I confess further that there are times when I treat this sin too lightly and fail to grieve, mourn, and wail. Lord God, I need Your Holy Spirit to help me and show me how to weep and mourn properly over my ongoing sins of unforgiveness. Lord God, may the light of Your Word and Your Holy Spirit illuminate the dark corners of my heart and soften me so that I can see these and forgive anything and everything that I hold against anyone. I know that's a tall order, but help me. Is this not possible with Jesus? Yes, even forgiving others is possible with Jesus. Thank You for that precious, precious blood. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

This instruction of Scripture is for you, not for the person who allegedly wronged you. As you walk in obedience to this word, here are two considerations. One, “anyone” for you may include people who are no longer living. Forgive. Two, echoes of your hurt may come back around after you have truly forgiven. These are opportunities to affirm, between you and God, that you release the debt. Keep walking in freedom made possible by the blood of Jesus.