Forgiving a Pizza Stealing Pup

June 23, 2025

My wife and I are arguably too old to be getting a new dog, especially a puppy. Her name is Eclipse, and she is way to smart for her own good. I think she knows English. One day, she waited until I was not looking and then stole a piece of pizza from my plate. I gave her my best, “how could you betray me?” stare, but Eclipse just wagged her tail, crumbs on her snout, completely unrepentant. I wanted to stay mad. I really did. But her big collie eyes melted my heart and I forgave her. Forgiving a pizza-thieving pup is one thing, but forgiving people? That’s a whole different beast.

It feels unnatural because it fights our instincts: we fear losing control, we’d rather be right than righteous, and we often carry the baggage of old grudges. Today, I challenge you to grow in forgiveness, even though it’s about as natural as me sharing my pizza with Eclipse willingly. As flawed humans, we’re wired to seek revenge, not reconciliation. Forgiving others, and forgiving ourselves, feels impossible, like that pit in your stomach when your child has turned the couch into a pirate ship with permanent marker. Impossible, until he goes, “Argh, matey!” makes you crack up. You can forgive and love again, even if those marker stains last a long time. Jesus’ call to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) seems downright impossible, yet it’s the key to freedom. We need a change of heart!

Consider the story of a young woman named Maria, who grew up in a neighborhood torn by violence. As a teenager, she lost her brother to a drive-by shooting. Anger consumed her and she vowed never to forgive the perpetrator, who was later arrested. Years passed, and Maria’s bitterness grew, affecting her relationships and tormented her soul. One Sunday, she attended a church service where the pastor spoke on forgiveness. Skeptical but moved, Maria joined a restorative justice program where victims meet offenders. In a trembling voice, she shared her pain with the man who took her brother’s life. He wept, expressing remorse. Maria did’t excuse his actions but she chose to forgive, releasing the weight of hatred. Today, she speaks to youth about forgiveness, saying, “I hope my forgiving him helps set him free. I needed to forgive him do it, to set myself free.” God’s love pursued Maria, showing her the power of forgiveness to heal.

Another illustration comes from a small-town coffee shop owner named Tom. Years ago, his business partner, Dave, betrayed him by embezzling funds, nearly bankrupting the shop. Tom cut ties, harboring resentment. One day Dave returned, now sober and remorseful, asking to make amends as part of his recovery program. Tom’s first instinct was to refuse, but he remembered a sermon about the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Hesitantly, Tom listened. Dave couldn’t repay the money but offered to volunteer at the shop. Over time, Tom forgave him and their friendship was restored. Tom later shared, “Forgiveness didn’t erase the past, but it gave me peace. I felt God’s grace in that moment.” God’s relentless love chased Tom, enabling him to forgive.

The Bible shows this transformative power in the life of Joseph, who forgave his brothers after they sold him into slavery (Genesis 37-50). Years later, as a leader in Egypt, Joseph faced his brothers, who feared retribution. Instead, he wept and embraced them, saying, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s forgiveness, rooted in God’s redemptive plan, not only restored his family but also saved nations. Like Joseph, we can trust God to work through our forgiveness even when it feels unnatural.

Who do you need to forgive? Pray for God to create opportunities to forgive, guiding you to the right moment, words and attitude to bring healing. Have you accepted God’s forgiveness and saving grace? If you haven’t yet, pray to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. This faith will transform your life. Then, pray the prayer from the first question to forgive others.

I close with this prayer of forgiveness to help you get started. Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You, seeking Your guidance and strength. Reveal any unforgiveness in my heart. Reveal the sins I’ve committed, the wrongs done to me, or the guilt I hold against myself. Help me to release these burdens through Your love and the saving power of Jesus Christ. Grant me the courage to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Fill me with Your peace and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen. To God be the glory! (To learn more about Al Earley or read previous articles, see www.lagrangepres.org. You can purchase my book, My Faith Journal, at Amazon.com, a compilation of 366 articles as a daily devotional).