Brothers and Sisters, we will discuss a topic that touches everyone at some point in their lives: forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just an excellent idea; it’s a command from God. It is the very heart of the Gospel. Through forgiveness, God healed and restored us, and in that same spirit, we are called to forgive others.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will stir our hearts to live out the forgiveness God has so freely given us.
Let us begin by looking at a foundational passage: Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) says,
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
This is the heart of the message of forgiveness: "Even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." The Lord has set the ultimate example of forgiveness, and we are called to follow in His steps.
God’s Forgiveness: The Foundation for Forgiving Others
We must first understand this: God’s forgiveness is the foundation for our ability to forgive others. Before we talk about forgiving one another, we must reflect on the forgiveness we received from God through Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:8 (KJV) tells us,
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
You see, we were lost in our sins, separated from God, and deserving of judgment, yet Christ died for us. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of love and forgiveness. And if God has forgiven us—who did not deserve it—how much more should we forgive others?
Ephesians 4:32 commands us to forgive because God forgave us first. The forgiveness we extend to others is not based on whether or not they deserve it but because our heavenly Father has shown us grace. That’s the first truth we must hold on to today.
Forgiveness Brings Healing and Freedom
One of the beautiful things about forgiveness is that it doesn’t just benefit the one being forgiven—it heals and frees the person offering forgiveness. Holding on to bitterness, resentment, or anger weighs us down and blocks our spiritual growth. But when we forgive, God releases healing into our hearts.
In Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV), Jesus says,
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Brothers and Sisters, there is freedom in forgiveness! When we let go of the offense, we make room for God to work in us. We invite His healing power into our hearts and experience the fullness of His grace. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the hurt never happened, but we choose to trust God with the pain, allowing Him to bring restoration.
I want to ask you today: Is there unforgiveness in your heart?
Is there someone who has hurt you, and you’re struggling to let go? Maybe you’ve been holding on to that hurt for years, but let me tell you—God is calling you to forgive, not because they deserve it, but because He wants to set you free!
Forgiveness Reflects God’s Love
One of the most important reasons we forgive is because it reflects the love of God. When we forgive others, we are mirroring the very heart of God. Jesus didn’t just preach about forgiveness—He lived it out! Even on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJV).
1 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) says,
"Love… is not easily provoked, [and] thinketh no evil."
True love does not keep a record of wrongs. Forgiveness is not about denying the hurt but choosing to love in spite of it. When we choose forgiveness, we show the world the kind of love that only comes from God.
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV),
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."
When we forgive, we cover sins with God's love. We demonstrate that love is stronger than hate, grace is stronger than judgment, and peace is stronger than conflict.
Forgiveness is a Path to Freedom
We must also understand that forgiveness is a path to freedom, not just for others but for ourselves. Holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It hurts us more than it hurts the person who wronged us.
In Romans 12:19 (KJV), the Bible says,
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
When we forgive, we release the situation into God’s hands. We say, “Lord, I trust You to handle this.” Forgiveness is an act of faith. It is trusting that God will bring justice in His way and in His timing while we walk in the freedom of letting go.
And how often should we forgive? Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV) gives us the answer.
Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” And Jesus answered, *“I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”*
Forgiveness is not a one-time act. It’s a lifestyle. We are called to forgive repeatedly, trusting that God will give us the strength to do so.
Forgiveness Brings Reconciliation and Peace
Lastly, forgiveness brings reconciliation. It paves the way for peace and restoration in our relationships. I know that some of us have experienced deep hurts from others, and reconciliation may seem impossible. But with God, all things are possible. When we forgive, we allow God to heal and restore what was broken.
2 Corinthians 5:18 (KJV) says,
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation."
God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. We are called to be peacemakers, extending the grace and love of Christ to others. Matthew 5:9 (KJV) reminds us,
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
As we forgive, we create the conditions for reconciliation and peace in our relationships and hearts.
I want to encourage you today: Let go of the unforgiveness. If there’s someone you need to forgive, release it to God. It may be hard, but God’s grace is sufficient. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Allow God’s love to heal your heart, and experience the freedom that comes with forgiveness.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of forgiveness. Lord, we ask that You help us to forgive those who have wronged us, just as You have forgiven us. We release the pain, the bitterness, and the resentment into Your hands. Heal our hearts, Lord, and bring peace to our souls. Teach us to love as You love and to walk in the freedom of forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember: forgiveness is a path to healing, peace, and freedom. May God bless you as you walk in His love and extend forgiveness to others.
Blessings,
Living Word Healing and Restoration Ministries