“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld” (John 20:23)

This is an incredibly challenging passage for many of us.

To understand why, revisit the Last Supper. Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him, and they immediately begin arguing about who would be the greatest.

Shortly after, Peter proclaims he is more loyal than the others, boasting he will never fall away. Imagine being in that group—you would feel hurt, suspicious, and resentful.

In this tense environment, Jesus didn’t simply tell them to “suck it up” or put their differences aside

Telling opposing parties with bad blood to just get over it is a hollow suggestion that lacks substance and doesn’t change hearts.

So what creates unity? The answer is forgiveness.

Without forgiveness, unity cannot exist.

Forgiveness is incredibly hard, but just as difficult experiences strengthen us, a unity built on the hard work of forgiveness won't easily break.

We don't have to do this alone. Just before Jesus talked about forgiveness, He also said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.

Forgiveness is tough, but the Holy Spirit can and will assist us.

In what way are you challenged by Jesus today to stop simply 'putting differences aside' and instead ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to truly forgive?

(But what happens after we forgive? Next time, we’ll explore the crucial final step: Restoration.)