Discipleship Devotional, May 5th, 2025
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
— James 2:13 (NLT)
The topic of unforgiveness remains unclear for many Bible students. People often wonder if a Christian harboring unforgiveness would mean that God won’t forgive them, potentially leading to damnation. Some argue that what Jesus said about unforgiveness before His resurrection no longer applies, as we have been saved by grace through faith and have already received forgiveness.
While it’s true that our salvation is rooted in the grace of Christ and not solely dependent on our ability to forgive others, Jesus’ teachings still hold relevance. In the book of James, James reaffirms Jesus’ message about showing mercy, but within the context of the judgment that Christians will face in heaven.
This judgment differs from the judgment of the world, where the unrighteous will face condemnation. This is the judgment seat of Christ, where some individuals will receive rewards while others will not, even though they remain saved and in heaven (1st Cor 3:13).
Just as believers will receive rewards for their actions, whether good or bad, on this earth, the same principle applies to a believer who harbors unforgiveness. James emphasizes that God will not show mercy in His judgment toward them, underscoring the importance of this issue.
Furthermore, what’s even more concerning is that a believer who persists in walking in unforgiveness faces the risk of hardening their heart and potentially straying from their faith altogether. Unforgiveness, being a sin, can indeed lead to a hardened heart, making it imperative to avoid harboring it.
At the very least, it could result in the loss of heavenly rewards, and at the worst, it may lead to a hardening in sin, a departure from the faith, and ultimately separation from God. Therefore, it is crucial that we steer clear of unforgiveness.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help me always to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven me.
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