Pastor Hector Boucet

You can forgive others. You can even forgive people who wronged you deeply. So why does it feel impossible to forgive yourself? That is the question Pastor Boucet brought before the congregation — and the answer may be the most freeing truth in Scripture.

Many people who walk through the doors of a church have already taken the first two steps of forgiveness — they have received GOD's forgiveness, and they have chosen to extend it to others. But when it comes to releasing themselves from past sin, failure, and regret, they find a wall they cannot break through. At The Gathering Church, Pastor Boucet named that wall for what it is: the enemy's most effective weapon against believers who are already walking with CHRIST.

The Forgiveness Series has built week by week toward this moment. Week one established that because GOD has forgiven us an unrepayable debt, we are called to forgive others. Week two confronted the hardened heart — how unresolved offense becomes a poison we carry against ourselves. Now in Part 3, Pastor Boucet turned the lens inward, anchoring the entire message in Romans 8:1: there is no condemnation for those who are in CHRIST JESUS. None. Not even self-imposed condemnation.

Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

One of the most common lies the enemy uses to keep people away from GOD is this: get yourself together first, then come to church. Pastor Boucet demolished that lie with a simple but profound declaration — JESUS did not die for perfect people. HE died for sinners. That is exactly who HE came for. Waiting to be good enough before approaching GOD is not humility; it is exactly what the enemy wants. It guarantees you never arrive.

Pastor Boucet pointed to the great figures of Scripture — Peter, David, Moses — men who failed, and failed significantly, while walking directly with GOD. Yet HE restored every one of them. If their failure did not disqualify them from GOD's purpose, what makes us believe ours will? As Pastor Boucet reminded the congregation: “Your failure is not greater than GOD's mercy.” No matter what you have done, no matter how many times you have fallen, GOD's mercy is greater still.

“For there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD, being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS.”

Romans 3:22–24 (NKJV)

— Pastor Hector Boucet

There is a critical difference between conviction and condemnation, and Pastor Boucet drew the line clearly. Conviction is the HOLY SPIRIT drawing you toward repentance — it is the voice of GOD speaking through your conscience, saying, “This is not who I made you to be. Come back.” Condemnation, on the other hand, is the enemy whispering that you are disqualified, too broken, too far gone to be used by GOD. One voice leads you forward. The other wants you paralyzed on the ground.

The enemy's strategy, Pastor Boucet explained, is to keep believers trapped in shame. Some people know how to work their way out of that trap. Others find themselves walking in circles in the same defeated place, unable to find the exit. But JESUS is the only way out. When GOD forgives, HE does not simply pardon — HE removes the guilt entirely and gives you a new identity. Some believers, however, keep going back to reopen the doors GOD already closed. Every time HE shuts something off for your protection and you return to it, you walk straight back into the room HE was rescuing you from.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

Pastor Boucet called the congregation to listen more closely to that inner voice — not as mere conscience, but as the HOLY SPIRIT speaking. The more you draw near to GOD, the clearer HIS voice becomes. And the clearer HIS voice becomes, the less power the enemy's whispers hold over you. Bitterness is a poison, but so is self-condemnation. Both destroy from the inside. Forgiving yourself is not excusing what you did — it is trusting that JESUS' blood was enough to cover it.

The third and most hope-filled point of the message: your mistakes did not cancel your calling. Not a single one. Pastor Boucet reminded the congregation that GOD still uses broken people. GOD still restores worn people. GOD still lifts fallen people. The enemy will try to use your history against you — especially when GOD is moving you to step out, to speak, to minister. The enemy will bring up who you used to be, what you used to do, and try to convince you that the people around you will never see you as anything different. That is a lie designed to silence you precisely when GOD needs your voice.

Pastor Boucet shared the image of a boxer knocked down three times — taking the first hit, the second, and the third. Down on the mat. The count begins. And you know you could get up. But for a moment, you think about staying down. That is the moment GOD is speaking: get up. We are not finished. Forgiving yourself is the act of getting up off that mat and trusting that the GOD who brought you this far is not done with you yet. “I will not live chained to my past anymore” — this was the prophetic declaration Pastor Boucet called the congregation to make together.

Pastor Hector Boucet

The altar call that closed this message was not about dramatic gestures — it was an invitation for those carrying guilt, shame, and regret to step into freedom. GOD is calling you out of condemnation. HE has already shut the door on your past. The only question left is whether you will stop trying to open it again. Forgiving yourself is not something you earn — it is something you receive, the same way you received HIS forgiveness the first time. HE meant it then. HE means it now.

Watch the Full Sermon

Hear Pastor Hector Boucet preach Forgiving Yourself — Part 3 live at The Gathering Church — June 2, 2026.

Reflect & Respond

Is there something GOD has already forgiven that you are still using to condemn yourself — and what would it look like to finally let it go today?