FORGIVE THAT YOU MAY ALSO BE FORGIVEN

At the heart of the gospel is a Savior who looked at our sins countless, undeserved, and painful and still chose to forgive. That’s grace: undeserved favor, unearned love, and mercy freely given.  

Yet, as much as we love receiving grace, extending it to others through forgiveness is often a struggle. We want justice. We want apologies. We want to hold onto our pain because it feels like a safeguard against being hurt again. But grace calls us higher. Grace calls us to forgive.  

What Forgiveness Looks Like Through Grace

1. Grace Forgives Freely:  Just as Jesus forgave us before we ever repented (Romans 5:8), we are called to extend forgiveness, even when it isn’t asked for or deserved.  

2. Grace Sees Beyond the Offense:  Forgiveness doesn’t excuse sin, but it does see the person beyond the mistake, just as God sees us.  

3. Grace Lets Go of the Right to Retaliate: It is human to want payback, but grace says, *"I release you. God is my justice."* (Romans 12:19)  

4. Grace Heals the Wounded Heart :  When we forgive, we aren’t just setting the other person free—we are freeing ourselves from bitterness, resentment, and emotional chains.  

What Unforgiveness Does to Us:

When we refuse to forgive, we imprison ourselves in pain. We relive the hurt over and over, allowing bitterness to take root. Unforgiveness:  

1. Blocks God’s Forgiveness: “If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”(Matthew 6:15)  

2. Steals Our Peace: The burden of resentment weighs us down emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.  

3. Gives the Enemy a Foothold Satan thrives in bitterness. He wants us to stay angry and wounded so we remain distant from God’s love and healing.  

Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. The only person truly harmed is us.  

What Forgiveness Does for Us

Forgiveness is not just a gift to others; it’s freedom for our souls. When we forgive, we:  

1. Experience Inner Peace: Letting go of resentment brings a deep sense of relief and healing.  

2. Grow in Grace:  We become more like Christ when we extend the same mercy He has given us.  

3. Break Free from Emotional Chains Forgiveness releases us from the past and allows us to move forward.  

4. Strengthen Our Relationship with God – A forgiving heart aligns with God’s will and opens the door for greater intimacy with Him.  

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### **Jesus: The Perfect Example of Grace and Forgiveness**  

On the cross, Jesus uttered, *“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”* (Luke 23:34). If ever there was a moment for righteous anger, it was then. He had every right to condemn, yet He chose grace. And because of that grace, we stand forgiven today.  

How, then, can we withhold forgiveness when we have received it so freely? (Matthew 6:14-15)  

Living in the Freedom of Grace-Fueled Forgiveness

Forgiving through grace isn’t about feeling ready—it’s about trusting God. Here’s how to walk in it:  

- Pray for Strength – Ask God for the grace to forgive as He has forgiven you.  

- Release the Debt– They may never apologize, but forgiveness is about your healing, not theirs.  

- Remember God’s Grace– When it feels hard, remind yourself how much you’ve been forgiven.  

- Set Boundaries if Needed – Forgiveness doesn’t mean putting yourself in harm’s way. Grace includes wisdom.  

Who do you need to forgive today? 

Ask God for the strength to extend the same grace He has given you. Freedom awaits on the other side.  

✨🤍