Jesus And Me, Part 9: Forgiveness

Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor

Biblical word for forgiveness = to with a

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Why would Jesus ask us to forgive like that?
We need to forgive others so that Jesus can free us from our past and to stop Satan from stealing our future.
(2 Corinthians 2: 10–11)

1. Know what forgiveness is and isn’t:

Forgiveness is a

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19

Forgiveness is not (Hebrews 10:17; Psalm 103:12)

Forgiveness is the gift you offer

Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:14

How do I forgive from the heart?

• It begins with honesty—acknowledging the hurt and even the anger
• You can’t wait until you feel ready to forgive
• Am I willing to choose forgiveness, even before my feelings catch up?

Forgiveness is dealing with and leaving the other person

2. Release the Debt

The “How” of Forgiveness

Start with prayer:

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the incredible kindness, patience, and mercy you have shown me. Your love has been so gentle in leading me back to you, and I’m deeply grateful.
I confess that I haven’t always reflected that same kindness toward others. At times, I’ve held on to hurt, bitterness, and resentment instead of offering grace. Please forgive me.
As I take time to examine my heart, would you lovingly bring to mind anyone I need to forgive? Give me the willingness and strength to release those hurts and extend the same mercy you’ve given me.
Thank you for walking with me in this process and for continuing to shape my heart.
I pray all of this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen

The Path of Forgiveness Letter

1. Dear ______, this is what you did to me…

2. And now I forgive you for…

3. And [your own name], I forgive you too. I forgive you for carrying all these destructive and disgusting thoughts, emotions and/or actions and for letting them have an impact on any part of my life.

4. Lord Jesus, I ask your forgiveness. You instructed me to forgive in your Word and I didn’t. Forgive me for holding on to the pain instead of holding on to you.

5. On a different page: Now that I have forgiven and have been forgiven, my life will be different in the following ways _____________ and I bless you, _______, with the same forgiveness Jesus gave me.

Small Group Questions

1. When was the last time you received or gave a heartfelt apology? What happened in your heart during that time?
2. Forgiveness can be challenging. Why do you believe so many people battle with letting go of past offenses?
3. Who do you need to forgive? Who is on your list right now?
4. Read Colossians 3:13 out loud. How did God forgive you?
5. Read the steps in the forgiveness letter. Which statement would be the hardest for you to write out?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?