message by Matthew
What Is Forgiveness?
Forgiveness is the decision to let go of resentment, bitterness, and the desire for revenge against someone who has wronged us. Forgiveness is not pretending the hurt didn’t happen – it is choosing grace over judgment.
God the Father’s Forgiveness
God the Father is the source of forgiveness. His forgiveness flows from His character—He is merciful, compassionate, and faithful to forgive when we repent. We see that in verses like Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” His forgiveness removes our sins to a place beyond our comprehension.
Isaiah 1:18 shows us that God’s forgiveness fundamentally changes the make-up of our wrongs—“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
He guarantees His forgiveness by His own attributes—“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9)
Faithfulness and Justice
God’s forgiveness is complete, intentional, and not held over our heads. When He forgives, He chooses not to remember our sins against us.
Jesus’ Forgiveness
Jesus is the visible expression of God’s forgiveness. Through His life, death, and resurrection, forgiveness became accessible to all.
Jesus, when with the woman caught in adultery, chose forgiveness—“Neither do I condemn you. Go now and sin no more.” He had every right to judge her but chose to forgive.
Later, with the disciples, Jesus foretold His ultimate self-sacrificing forgiveness in Matthew 26:28 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” .
Even while on the cross, He asked God the Father to forgive His murderers. Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
What if Jesus was still waiting for an apology? He took the first step. Jesus forgave while suffering and without an apology from us—fully entrusting judgment to the Father.
Our Forgiveness
Because we are forgiven, we are called to forgive. This is not optional—it is a reflection of God’s grace working in us. Praise God we are not expected to forgive from our own strength. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to apply forgiveness to our hearts and empower us to live forgiven—and forgiving—lives. Titus 3:5–6 – “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” —renewing us from the old and unforgiving man.
We are not alone on this growth journey of learning forgiveness. In Genesis 50, Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery, recognizing God’s greater purpose. “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?”…”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” He recognized that choosing judgment instead of forgiveness would wrongfully place himself in Gods seat.
1 Samuel 24 shows David sparing Saul’s life even when Saul sought to kill him. David chose mercy over revenge.
Stephen, in Acts 7, while being stoned, prayed—“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” —the same thing Jesus prayed.
These were all mere men who surrendered themselves to Gods will and to the Holy Spirit’s power to forgive. They entrusted judgment to God.
Our forgiveness is a response to God’s forgiveness. It frees us from bitterness and reflects Christ to the world.
Conclusion
Forgiveness is not a mutual agreement, excusing sin, denying harm, dependent on apology. Forgiveness is releasing judgment to God, choosing obedience, and ultimately recognizing that we’re not God. Forgiveness is taking complete ownership of my heart, my response, and my obedience to God—fully independent of another person’s actions or repentance.
Living in forgiveness post-forgiven means walking daily in the grace and forgiveness we’ve received. We need to take the initiative in pursuit of forgiveness just as God did. It starts with me. As we pursue this we can rest in the Father’s mercy, trust in Jesus’ sacrifice, and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to choose to forgive others.
Romans 12:19: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Lincoln House Churches 