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I forgive you...


What does it really mean to say: "I forgive you," and move on? These three "simple words" are definitely easier said than done... because it's an issue of the heart and mind… For years you can hold on to the hurt and pain that someone caused you even though you say “I forgive you.” How do you truly forgive? How do you truly let go with all of your heart and experience real peace that truly surpasses all understanding? Because, to be honest, it takes a miracle to really forgive and let go completely. But… oh the joy and freedom you experience when you truly forgive someone is indescribable.

I have been constantly thinking about the sermon I heard Pastor John preach—Good-God: judges the condition of the heart based on Matthew 6:9-15. I will share highlights from that sermon that encouraged me, and I hope they will help you in your quest for true forgiveness that is transforming and liberating!

In Matthew 6: 12, Jesus’ said: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

  1. Forgiveness is a big deal: It’s very important to God—and should be just as important (if not more) to you. There needs to be evidence in your life that this is a big deal.

  2. Forgiveness protects us from hypocrisy: Matthew 7:1-5. Do not judge (in your state of hypocrisy). Don’t try to “fix” the other’s planks before you deal with your own heart. The same measure you use to judge is the same judgement you will receive.

  3. I’m capable of more forgiveness than I am able: Matthew 18:21-35. You have the capacity to forgive because of what’s been lifted off you.

  4. The approach: Colossians 3:12-13. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Clothe yourself… then you can forgive! IF my heart is right, then I can forgive. All these are fruits of the Spirit. And if He lives in you, and you obey and listen to Him, then you can forgive.

In closing this sermon, Pastor John shared a story about a woman who was married (I think to a pastor) and she had written a list of the issues/wrongs he had done (and was going to do) and just learned, over many years to forgive in advance. After years of practicing to forgive her husband all the time, she no longer kept a list because she knew to just forgive in advance. So… in summary… whatever it is (and whomever it is) forgive in advance… practice this over and over until you can forgive just like God has already forgiven you and I in advance.

PS: Don’t intentionally prolong actually forgiving someone just because it could take years so you indulge yourself in the process of “forgiving,” just start the process and keep working at it with everything you have within you! “I forgive you,” is possible! The question is: Are you willing to truly forgive?

By the way, Pastor John preached at Converse Church of Christ on February 26, 2017.

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