Forgiveness and Why it's Always Necessary!

By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.

Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.

Forgiveness and Why it's Always Necessary

Scripture Focus: Matthew 18:21–35, Ephesians 4:31–32

The Challenge of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is something every believer knows is necessary — yet few of us find easy to live out. We all carry wounds, disappointments, and memories that make forgiveness feel impossible at times. But as followers of Christ, forgiveness isn’t optional; it’s essential to our freedom and relationship with God.

In Matthew 18:21–35, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. It’s a sobering reminder that we’ve been forgiven of an immeasurable debt — one we could never repay — yet we often struggle to forgive the smaller offenses of others.

The story shows the contrast between mercy received and mercy refused. The servant is forgiven of ten thousand talents, yet turns around and chokes a fellow servant over a small debt. Jesus ends the parable with a warning:

“So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:35)

That’s a heavy truth — but it’s also a freeing one. Because real forgiveness doesn’t bind us; it releases us.

The Hidden Burden of Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is sneaky. Sometimes we think we’ve let go of something, but our actions and emotions tell a different story. Maybe we avoid someone, speak harshly of them, or replay the hurt in our minds. True forgiveness means loving someone as though the wound never happened — not pretending it didn’t, but choosing to let God’s grace cover it.

When we refuse to forgive, the burden doesn’t fall on the other person; it falls on us. Bitterness becomes a root that corrupts our soul and poisons our peace. Hebrews 12:14–15 warns us:

“Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.”

Unforgiveness hardens our hearts, distances us from God, and clouds our relationships. The enemy wants us trapped in resentment — but God calls us to freedom.

Forgiveness Is Not Approval

Forgiving someone doesn’t mean excusing their behavior or pretending it didn’t hurt. It means surrendering the right to be paid back and trusting God as the righteous Judge. It’s releasing judgment into His hands and allowing His Spirit to heal what was wounded.

As Ephesians 4:31–32 says:

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness mirrors the gospel — we forgive because we’ve been forgiven.

Real Stories of Forgiveness

Many of us have faced deep pain — family wounds, betrayal, trauma, or loss. Forgiving those who’ve caused that pain can feel impossible. Yet, stories like those of believers who forgive even in tragedy remind us of the transforming power of grace.

When Erica Kirk publicly forgave her husband’s killer, her response stood in stark contrast to the world’s view of revenge. That kind of forgiveness isn’t natural — it’s supernatural. It points the world to Christ.

Forgiveness Brings Healing

Forgiveness isn’t just for others — it’s for us. Holding on to bitterness keeps us stuck in pain. Releasing it invites healing. It’s not always instant; sometimes we have to pray, “Lord, help me forgive.” But even that willingness is enough for Him to begin the work.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or reconciling in every case, but it does mean giving God full control. When we surrender the pain, He replaces it with peace.

A Prayer for Forgiveness

If today’s message stirred something in your heart, here’s a prayer you can use as a starting point — a way to release what you’ve been holding and let God bring healing:

Lord, I forgive _____. Lord, I give You permission to take the judgment and bitterness out of my life. I do not want this in my life — I surrender it to You and ask You to remove it — to heal me where I have been wounded, to forgive me where I have sinned.I choose not to blame or hold the actions of others against them. I hereby surrender my right to be paid back for my loss, by the one who has sinned against me, and, in so doing, I declare my trust in God alone as the Righteous Judge.Father God, bless them in every way.In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thoughts

Forgiveness is not weakness — it’s strength through surrender. It’s choosing freedom over bitterness, peace over pain, and trust over control. Our prayer is that you’ll find the courage to forgive, to let go, and to walk in the light of God’s love.

🎧 Listen to Episode 13: "Forgiveness and Why it's Always Necessary?" https://open.spotify.com/episode/0TVpp2Bj8odxpb1JWbHFo9?si=UNFjpPDlR526mZeU5z-5Bg

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