Forgiving Means Forgetting

This sermon challenges the common belief that forgiving someone means forgetting what they did, showing instead that biblical forgiveness is about releasing the debt, not erasing the memory. Anchored in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 18, the message explains how we are called to forgive others because God has already forgiven us an immeasurable debt through Christ. Forgiveness does not minimize the hurt, excuse abuse, or require waiting for an apology. It means choosing not to make the other person pay for what they took, trusting God with justice, and refusing to let bitterness control our lives. When we truly grasp how much grace we’ve received, we are freed to extend forgiveness from the heart, even when it’s difficult, painful, or ongoing.