Set Free to Forgive
Forgive as you have been forgiven
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Welcome
Good morning.
There’s a powerful word that can mend broken homes, heal old wounds, and bring freedom to the deepest parts of our hearts. That word is forgiveness.
Forgiveness is not easy — but it is essential. It is at the very core of the Gospel. You and I were not merely improved by Christ — we were forgiven. And because we have been forgiven, we are called to forgive.
Forgiveness Begins with God
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Forgiveness is not man-made. It originates in the heart of God.
From the Garden of Eden to the cross of Calvary, God has always pursued a broken people with mercy. He does not forgive because we deserve it — He forgives because He is good.
You may feel like your past is too dark, your sin too great — but the cross of Christ speaks louder than your guilt. In Jesus, there is full pardon. No probation. No half-mercy. Complete forgiveness.
Forgiveness Is a Gift, Not a Bargain
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)
God’s forgiveness is not something you earn. You can’t do enough good to outweigh your wrongs. You can only receive it.
This is the heart of the Gospel — Jesus paid the price you could not pay, so you could receive a freedom you could not earn.
And that forgiveness is not just for the “good people.” It’s for the broken, the angry, the addicted, the ashamed — it’s for you and me.
Forgiveness Sets Us Free
“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
— Psalm 32:1 (ESV)
Forgiveness isn’t just about letting someone else off the hook — it’s about letting your own soul off the chain.
Unforgiveness is a prison. Bitterness is a slow poison. But when God forgives us, He also gives us the power to release others.
You may be holding on to pain that someone caused you. You may feel like forgiving them means excusing what they did. It doesn’t. Forgiveness doesn’t say “it was okay” — it says “I’m letting go so that it doesn’t control me anymore.”
We Are Commanded to Forgive Others
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
— Mark 11:25 (ESV)
Jesus didn’t treat forgiveness as optional. He made it a condition of our own spiritual health.
Why? Because forgiven people are called to be forgiving people.
Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s deserved. But because that’s what Jesus did for us.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34 (ESV)
Even as He hung on the cross, Jesus offered forgiveness to the very ones who nailed Him there.
Forgiveness Leads to Reconciliation and Witness
“Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
— Colossians 3:13 (ESV)
When the world sees the Church as a people of mercy and grace — it reflects the heart of God.
Some of the most powerful testimonies come not from people who never got hurt — but from people who chose to forgive when it was hard, painful, or impossible without God.
Maybe God wants to heal your marriage. Maybe He wants to restore a friendship. Maybe He’s waiting for you to forgive so that healing can begin — in them, and in you.
Accept God’s Forgiveness Today
“Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
— Acts 10:43 (ESV)
There is no greater decision you can make than to receive the forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ.
You may be here today feeling unworthy, unwanted, or unloved — but the cross says, “You are forgiven. You are welcome. Come home.”
Jesus didn’t die for perfect people — He died for sinners. He died for you. And if you place your trust in Him today, every sin, every shame, every failure can be washed clean.
Today’s Prayer
Let us pray:
Father in Heaven,
We thank You for the incredible gift of forgiveness. Not earned, not deserved, but freely given through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we confess that we have sinned. We have harbored bitterness. We have struggled to let go. But today, we come before You, asking for a clean heart.
Teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us.
Give us strength to release the offenses we’ve held.
Help us to walk in the freedom of grace — not just receiving it, but extending it.
Heal our relationships. Mend what’s been broken. Restore what sin and pride have torn down.
And for anyone who feels far from You today, let them know that Your arms are open. Your mercy is ready. Your forgiveness is complete.
We thank You, Lord, that in You, the chains are broken and the past is redeemed.
In Jesus’ name we pray —
Amen.