Based on Matthew 6:14–15, Colossians 3:13, and Luke 23:34
Forgiveness isn’t always easy—but it’s essential. In this week’s message, Pastor Hector spoke straight to the heart on what it means to forgive like Jesus. We hope these words speak to you the way they spoke to us. When Jesus hung on the cross, suffering excruciating pain, He uttered these words:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
(Luke 23:34)
He didn’t wait for an apology. He didn’t wait for remorse. In the midst of betrayal, injustice, and agony, Jesus choseforgiveness.
Forgiveness is not optional. It’s a command, a decision, and a key to our freedom. Matthew 6:14–15 makes it clear:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Unforgiveness is a prison—but the key is in your hands.
You can walk out anytime. Holding on to pain, bitterness, resentment, and offense will only harden your heart, steal your peace, and disconnect you from God’s grace. As the message reminded us, “You are never more like Jesus than when you forgive.”
We often justify our unforgiveness:
- “They don’t deserve it.”
- “They never even said sorry.”
- “They hurt me too deeply.”
But forgiveness isn’t about what others deserve—it’s about what we’ve received. We’ve been forgiven fully, freely, and undeservedly by a holy God. Our call is to forgive in the same way (Colossians 3:13).
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt, pretending it didn’t happen, or inviting harm back in. It means releasing the debt, giving the offense to God, and choosing to love anyway.
“Forgiveness is not a feeling. It’s a decision.”
“Unforgiveness is disobedience.”
“God expects us to forgive—just as He forgave us.”
So here’s your challenge this week:
📝 Ask the Holy Spirit, “Who do I need to forgive?”
📞 Make the call, send the text, write the letter—even if it’s just between you and God.
🙏 Release that pain into God’s hands.
You may need to forgive your parent, your spouse, your child, your friend… or even yourself.
Freedom begins when you let it go.
📖 Reflection Prayer:
“Lord, I choose to forgive. Even when it’s hard, even when it hurts. Help me walk in the same mercy You’ve shown me. Soften my heart, break every chain, and restore my joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.”