Forgive & Let Go
As we step into 2025, I want to encourage you to forgive. Let go of any unforgiveness. God has a better life for us, and it's attached to love and forgiveness. Jeremiah 32:27 reminds us, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?" God is the Expert of our lives, and He wants to do the impossible in us.
That being said, it is possible to forgive whatever hurt you're holding on to.
I. Why Forgive
Why should I forgive? I'm hurt, I'm angry. It is so human and natural to hold onto unforgiveness. However, it's a heavy burden to carry. Let it go. Life is better when you're able to let it go.
Scripture reminds us why we should forgive:
- 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."
- Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you... "
- Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
II. Benefits of Forgiveness
When it comes to forgiveness, this is the part you want to hear. Especially in 2025. This is the era of what can you do for me. So listen up! These are benefits to forgiving!
First and foremost, forgiveness brings freedom. It takes effort to hold a grudge and unforgiveness. Open your hands and just say, "God, I give this to you." Every time you think of the offense, just say, "God, I trust you, I give this to you." Eventually, your mind will be trained to put the burden of unforgiveness down every time you pick it up.
Forgiveness brings healing. The scab is allowed to heal. Being free from brokenness allows us to truly love and serve others.
Forgiveness will also help you become a better person and thrive in your relations. Proverbs 17:9 states, "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
III. Remember His Resume
Most people don't forgive because they don't believe they can. Not enough faith or courage to even try. If that's you, I encourage you to remember our Savior's resume. Psalm 126:3 says, "The Lord hath done great things for us, of which we are glad." Remember what God has done for you. If He brought Lazarus back from the dead (John 11) and made a blind man see (John 9), He can help you to let go of hurt and offenses and forgive.
Conclusion
By faith, you can put down every grudge and hint of unforgiveness.
Prayer: Father, help us to put all burdens and grudges down. Let us reach instead for your love to hold on to. Give us strength to forgive and let go. Use us to fix brokenness in our lives and others'. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
I leave you with this song…..
[Verse 1]
Don't carry hurt and pain
Don't lose sunshine
Carrying rain
[Chorus]
Let go Let go Let go
Forgive and just go
[Verse 2]
Let your heart not be heavy
Let your heart be light
Find beauty in forgiveness
Don't fight
[Verse 3]
Every step
Is a new
Don't let the past
Decide for you
[Chorus]
Let go Let go Let go
Forgive and Let go
[Bridge]
You got places to go
You can't live like this no more
(Oh-oh-oh)
You got places, To go
(Oh-oh-oh)
[Outro]
Let go Let go Let go
Forgive and just go
