09/02/2026
September 1 is National Forgiveness Day, a day centered on healing, understanding, empathy, and letting go of old grievances.
In a past year our friend Pastor Jeff Cartwright gave a strong message on Forgiveness. This outline closly followes Jeff's Biblical direction on dealing with this issue of Forgiveness.
FORGIVENESS IS FREEDOM
Scripture: Luke 23:33–34 | Matthew 6:14–15
Have you ever been hurt by someone and just couldn't let it go?
Most of us have.
Sometimes we carry the hurt for days. Sometimes for years. We replay what happened. We remember what they said. We remember what they did.
But eventually something happens:
The grudge that we think we're holding against them begins holding US.
1. UNFORGIVENESS KEEPS US CAPTIVE
Holding onto anger doesn't change what happened.
It doesn't undo the hurt.
And eventually our bitterness may hurt us far more than it hurts the person we're angry with.
Unforgiveness can steal our peace, damage our relationships, and keep us trapped in a past we cannot change.
2. JESUS SHOWED US ANOTHER WAY
Jesus had been betrayed, abandoned, falsely accused, mocked and crucified.
Yet from the cross He prayed:
“Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34
Think about that.
In one of the worst circumstances imaginable...
JESUS FORGAVE.
3. FORGIVENESS DOESN'T MEAN THE HURT DIDN'T MATTER
Forgiving someone doesn't mean what happened was okay.
It doesn't mean we forget.
It doesn't mean trust is instantly restored.
And it doesn't mean allowing someone to continue hurting us.
Forgiveness means we stop allowing what happened yesterday to control our hearts today.
4. FORGIVEN PEOPLE ARE CALLED TO FORGIVE
Jesus teaches us that receiving God's forgiveness should change the way we respond to those who have hurt us.
We have been shown incredible mercy.
Now He calls us to extend mercy.
5. FORGIVENESS BRINGS FREEDOM
Sometimes we think forgiveness is primarily about setting the other person free.
But something happens when we forgive:
WE BEGIN TO GET FREE TOO.
Free from constantly replaying the offense.
Free from bitterness.
Free from allowing someone who hurt us to continue controlling our thoughts and emotions.
Jesus came to SET CAPTIVES FREE.
And sometimes the prison door we're waiting for Jesus to open is the one marked:
UNFORGIVENESS.
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Ask yourself:
Who am I still angry with?
What am I still carrying?
Who do I need to forgive?
Then pray for the strength to begin releasing that person and that hurt to God.
You may not be able to change what happened.
You may not be able to restore what was lost.
But through Christ, you don't have to spend the rest of your life chained to it.
FORGIVE. LET GO. AND WALK IN FREEDOM.
I've included the sermon produced by the old video guy Dan Bear and a graphic Me and MJAi created tonight
