I. The Cost of Forgiveness
- Forgiveness is free to receive—but costly to give
- Jesus forgave while suffering (Luke 23:34)
- Forgiveness involves bearing the weight of the offense
- Example: Joseph – chose forgiveness over revenge (Genesis 45:4–8; 50:20)
II. The Call to Forgive
- Forgiveness is a command, not a suggestion
- God links His forgiveness to ours (Matthew 6:14–15)
- Forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
III. What Forgiveness Is and Isn’t
Not:
- Forgetting the offense (Jeremiah 31:34)
- Pretending it didn’t hurt
- Immediate trust or reconciliation
- Weakness
Is:
- Releasing the debt
- Obedience to God
- A one-sided choice
- An ongoing process
IV. The Fruit of Forgiveness
- Forgiveness brings freedom and healing
- Bitterness defiles the heart (Hebrews 12:15)
- Parable: The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35)
- Love covers offense (Proverbs 17:9)
V. When Forgiveness Feels Impossible
- God gives strength when we feel weak (Philippians 4:13)
- Start with, “Lord, help me want to forgive”
- His grace works through your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Jesus forgave while being crucified
VI. Living as a Forgiven Person
- Forgiveness changes how we live
- Those forgiven much, love much (Luke 7:47)
- Don’t repay evil for evil (Romans 12:17–21)
- God doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10–12)
VII. Final Truth: Forgiveness Is a Gospel Issue
- Forgiveness reflects the heart of God
- Mercy received should become mercy given (Luke 6:36)
- We forgive—not because it’s easy, but because we’ve been forgiven
Reflection Questions
- Who am I still holding in my heart?
- What am I carrying that Jesus already carried to the cross?
- Am I living like someone who’s been forgiven?
Full Message