Open Heart, Open Hands

Scripture: Matthew 6:14 (CEB) — “If you forgive others their mistakes, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Reflection
At first glance, Jesus can sound like he’s issuing a threat: Forgive, or God won’t forgive you. But Jesus isn’t describing a bargaining chip in God’s hand—he’s describing a danger in ours. An unforgiving heart becomes a closed heart, and a closed heart struggles to receive anything, even grace.

Unforgiveness often starts as self-protection. It feels strong to hold onto the hurt, to keep the record, to rehearse the story so we won’t be harmed again. But over time, that grip tightens. The soul becomes clenched—braced, guarded, suspicious, and weary.

Imagine trying to receive a gift with a fist full of stones. You’re not refusing the gift because you don’t want it—you’re refusing it because your hands are already full. That’s what resentment does: it fills the inner life until mercy feels unfamiliar, even unsafe.

Jesus’ warning is compassionate: Be careful what unforgiveness is doing to you. Not because God is stingy, but because bitterness trains us to live as if forgiveness is impossible. And when you believe forgiveness is impossible for others, it becomes hard to believe it can be real for you.

Application
Ask: “What am I holding so tightly that I can’t receive grace?” Picture opening your hands in prayer, even if your feelings lag behind.

Prayer
God, loosen my grip and teach my heart how to receive mercy again.

Song“Hold On” — Wilson Phillips