Forgiving the debt means trusting God's faithfulness to do what is right, even in the midst of our hurt and pain. Matthew 18:31-35, CEB “When his fellow servants saw what happened, they were deeply offended. They came and told their master all that happened. His master called the first servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you appealed to me. Shouldn’t you also have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ His master was furious and handed him over to the guard responsible for punishing prisoners, until he had paid the whole debt. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you if you don’t forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Unforgiveness doesn't just hurt you; it contaminates the community. Romans 12:17 (CEB) “Don't pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.” James 3:5-6 (CEB) In the same way, even though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts wildly.Think about this: A small flame can set a whole forest on fire. 6 The tongue is a small flame of fire, a world of evil at work in us. It contaminates our entire lives. Because of it, the circle of life is set on fire. The tongue itself is set on fire by the flames of hell. Restoration requires forgiveness, but forgiveness does not always lead to immediate restoration. Romans 12:18 (CEB) “If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.” Forgiveness isn't forgetting or diminishing the wrong; it acknowledges the full weight of the offense. Romans 12:19 (CEB) “Don't try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord.” Forgiving means trusting God's faithfulness to do what is right, even in the midst of our hurt and pain. Romans 12:20-21 (CEB) “Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will heap burning coals of fire upon his head. Don't be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.” True forgiveness seeks the ultimate good of the offender. Matthew 18:35 (CEB) “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you if you don’t forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” The Tip-the-Scale Question: If you are struggling to forgive, ask yourself: Can I want good for the person who offended me?