Text: 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 refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.”

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, I want to talk about a crucial aspect of our faith: forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just a feeling, but a choice. It’s a decision to release the debt that someone owes us, to let go of the hurt and the pain.

When we choose to forgive, we open ourselves up to healing and restoration. We create space for God’s love and grace to flow into our lives. Forgiveness is not just about the other person; it’s about us. It’s about our own freedom and peace.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) This is not just a phrase we recite; it’s a principle we must live by.

When we refuse to forgive, we become slaves to our own bitterness and anger. We become like the servant in Matthew 18:23-35, who was forgiven a great debt but refused to forgive a smaller debt owed to him.

But when we choose to forgive, we become like Jesus, who forgave those who crucified him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it’s always possible. With God’s help, we can forgive even the most hurtful offenses.

Let us choose to forgive, not just because it’s a commandment, but because it’s a key to our own liberation. Let us choose to forgive, not just because it’s a duty, but because it’s a privilege to reflect God’s love and grace in our lives.

May we be people who forgive freely, love unconditionally, and live victoriously, all for the glory of God.

Amen.