Forgiveness

FORGIVENESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:13, Luke 6:37, Matthew 18:21-22, Psalm 103:12

INTRODUCTION

A young man carried a heavy bag filled with stones wherever he went. Over time, the weight became unbearable, but he refused to let go. One day, an elderly man asked, “Why do you carry such a burden?” The young man replied, “These stones represent the wrongs people have done to me. I cannot forget them.” The old man smiled and said, “By holding on to them, you are only hurting yourself. Let them go, and you will find freedom.”

This is how unforgiveness works. When we refuse to forgive, we carry an unnecessary burden that weighs down our hearts and minds. But when we forgive, we release ourselves from the prison of bitterness and step into God’s peace and freedom.

Let us explore the power of forgiveness and how it transforms our lives.

1. FORGIVENESS IS A COMMAND, NOT AN OPTION

A man once owed a king a huge debt that he could never repay. The king had mercy and forgave him. But this same man went out and refused to forgive someone who owed him a small amount. When the king heard of this, he was angry and punished him severely.

Jesus told this parable in Matthew 18:21-35 to show that forgiveness is not optional—it is a divine command.

Matthew 6:14-15 – "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

If we want God’s forgiveness, we must also forgive others.

Forgiveness is not about feelings; it is an act of obedience to God.

Have you been holding on to grudges? It is time to let go!

2. FORGIVENESS BRINGS HEALING AND FREEDOM

A woman was deeply hurt by a betrayal. For years, she carried anger and bitterness in her heart. But when she finally chose to forgive, she felt a great burden lifted off her shoulders. She was free!

Many people live in emotional prisons because of unforgiveness. But when we forgive, we experience healing and peace.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Holding onto bitterness does not harm the offender—it harms you.

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, but it means releasing the pain and allowing God to heal you.

Is there someone you need to forgive today?

3. GOD FORGIVES US COMPLETELY

A little boy broke his father’s favourite vase. He expected punishment, but his father embraced him and said, “I forgive you. I love you more than the vase.”

This is how God forgives us—completely and unconditionally.

Psalm 103:12 – "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

No matter how great our sins, God’s mercy is greater.

If God can forgive us, we must also forgive others.

Do you believe God has truly forgiven you? It is time to forgive yourself, too!

4. FORGIVENESS IS A CONTINUAL PROCESS

Peter once asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive? Seven times?” Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

Forgiveness is not a one-time action—it is a daily decision.

People will always offend us, but we must always choose forgiveness.

Every time you remember the hurt, choose to forgive again.

Have you been struggling to forgive? Ask God for the grace to forgive continuously.

5. FORGIVENESS REFLECTS THE HEART OF CHRIST

As Jesus hung on the cross, betrayed, beaten, and mocked, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Jesus forgave even in His greatest suffering.

When we forgive, we reflect His love and character.

A forgiving heart attracts God’s blessings and favour.

Who do you need to forgive today? Be like Christ—forgive and love.

CONCLUSION:

Forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong—it is about freeing yourself from its power.

Have you been carrying the weight of unforgiveness?

Are you ready to experience healing, peace, and freedom?

Today, choose to forgive, just as Christ forgave you.

Release the pain, surrender it to God, and step into a life of joy and peace.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, give me the grace to forgive those who have hurt me.

2. Father, heal my heart from every wound of the past.

3. Lord, help me to walk in love and let go of bitterness.

4. Father, forgive me as I forgive others in Jesus' name.

5. Lord, let my life reflect Your love and forgiveness.