forgiving as jesus forgave

INTRODUCTION

We grow up believing the world is divided into two categories: Good guys and bad guys.

Every comic book, every superhero movie, every story we love—there’s always a clear villain and a clear hero. And guess what? The good guys… they always look like us.

We grow up with this mentality that evil is out there. Somewhere else. It doesn’t look like me. I’m one of the good guys.

I mean, how many of us have said,

“Hey, I’m not that bad. I’ve never killed anybody. I’m not out here abusing people. I try to be a good person.”

We compare ourselves to the worst of the worst, so we can feel better about the brokenness in our own hearts.

But then real life happens. And that “good guy” image starts to crack. Because sometimes the people who are supposed to protect you... hurt you. Sometimes the ones who wear smiles… do the most damage. And sometimes… if you’re honest… the person you don’t trust most… is yourself.

When I was a kid, my dad hurt me. There were moments, conversations, and wounds that stuck with me for years. I carried that pain. I carried the bitterness. And I made a vow: “I’ll never be like him.”

But then… I met Jesus. And Jesus wrecked all my categories.

We’re in a series called Red Letters—looking at the actual words of Jesus. And before we can talk about what He said about forgiveness, we have to talk about why we need it so badly.

We All Fall Short (Way Short)

Text: Romans 7:15–25

Let me read you some words from the Apostle Paul—this guy wrote most of the New Testament. He planted churches, endured beatings, saw miracles… and here’s what he says in Romans 7:15:

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Sound familiar?

“I’m never doing that again…” “I’m gonna forgive them this time…” “I’m done with that sin…” …and then we go right back to it.

Paul’s not saying, “I mess up sometimes.” He’s saying, “I can’t stop. I’m not okay.” There’s a war going on in him. And let’s be honest… in all of us.

Let’s take a little test. Get your fingers out. Even you guys—yes, I know. Just trust me.

We’re going to walk through the Ten Commandments using your fingers. You ready?

✋ 1 – One God There’s only one God. Ever made something else more important than Him?

✌️ 2 – No Idols Scissors shape—cut out idols. Ever treated something temporary like it was eternal? Some of y’all cheer harder for the Melbourne Demons than you’ve ever worshipped Jesus… …and the team is literally called the DEMONS, y’all

🤟 3 – Watch your words Three fingers = W. Ever used God’s name casually or to curse?

🖖 4 – Four = Sabbath Ever skipped rest or worship to chase success?

🖐️ 5 – Obey your parents Perfectly? For your whole life?

🤚 6 – Murder (in your heart) Jesus says hate counts. Ever raged at someone in traffic?

✋ 7 – Adultery (ring finger) Jesus says lust counts too. Ever looked with desire?

🖐️ 8 – Stealing Even small stuff—pens, time, credit?

✌️ 9 – Lying (crossed fingers) Even “little” lies to look better?

👐 10 – Coveting Ever wanted what someone else had?

😅 How we doing? Anyone still got ten fingers up?

Even if God didn’t judge you by His commandments... What if He judged you by your own?

The promises you made to yourself: “I’ll never do that again.” “I’ll always be there.” “This time will be different.”

The truth is, we don’t need a second chance. We need a Savior.

We’ve Been Forgiven—Every Bit of It

Text: 1 Timothy 1:15–16, Romans 5:8

We’ve established it: we fall short. Way short. But here’s the good news—the gospel isn’t about us getting it right. It’s about a Savior who came when we were still getting it wrong.

Let’s talk about Paul again. Before he wrote the book of Romans… He was a violent persecutor of the church. He called himself “the worst of sinners.”

And yet—Jesus forgave him. Completely.

1 Timothy 1:15–16 says:

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But I was shown mercy…”

Jesus didn’t wait for Paul to clean up. He met him at his worst.

Romans 5:8 says:

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Maybe you feel like Paul today. You’ve got regrets. You’ve hurt people. You’ve broken promises.

The gospel says: You’re not too far gone. You can be forgiven.

If you’ve never received that kind of forgiveness—today’s the day. Jesus died for your sin. He rose again to give you new life.

You don’t earn it. You receive it.

And if you have received it—don’t forget what it cost. Because forgiven people stop keeping score.

Which brings us to the words of Jesus Himself...

Forgive Like You've Been Forgiven

Text: Matthew 6:14–15, Ephesians 4:32

Let’s be honest: forgiveness is hard. Especially when the wounds go deep. When they never said sorry. When they don’t think they were wrong.

But listen to Jesus—Matthew 6:14–15:

“If you forgive others… your Father will forgive you. But if you don’t… He won’t.”

That’s not a suggestion. That’s a command.

And it’s not because God is petty. It’s because forgiveness is evidence of faith. If God’s grace is alive in you, it should flow through you.

Jesus was betrayed, beaten, and mocked… And He still said: “Father, forgive them.”

Why? Because His Mercy is perfect!

Ephesians 4:32 says:

“Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Why? graced people give grace. Forgiven People give Forgiveness.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. It doesn’t mean trusting someone again. It means releasing the right to revenge. Saying, “You owe me—but I’m not collecting.”

So who do you need to forgive? That name that just came to mind? That old bitterness you’ve disguised as “just being cautious”?

It’s time to let go. Not because they deserve it— but because Jesus forgave you when you didn’t deserve it either.

Let It Go—For Real

So now the question is simple… but it’s not easy:

Who do you need to forgive?

Because forgiveness isn’t just about them. It’s about you being free.

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Jesus didn’t just forgive in theory. He took nails for it. He said, “Father, forgive them,” while they were still hurting Him.

If you follow Jesus, that’s your line now too. We don’t just follow Him in comfort—we follow Him to the cross.

Some of you need to forgive your dad. Your friend. Your ex. Yourself. Some of you arent emotionally ready yet, they are too all over the place. That’s okay, forgiveness isnt an emotion, it is an action of obedience.

So today, take the first step. Say to Jesus:

“You forgave me. I choose to forgive.”

You might not feel lighter today. But you will be freer tomorrow.

Because when you forgive… you look like Jesus.

Let’s Pray

Jesus, thank You for forgiving me—fully, freely, and forever. I didn’t earn it. I didn’t deserve it. But You gave me grace anyway. Today I choose to let go of the bitterness I’ve been carrying. I choose to forgive, even when it’s hard—because You first forgave me. Help me walk in freedom. Help me love like You loved. Give me the strength to release what I can’t carry anymore. Let forgiveness flow through me, so others can see You in me. In Your name, Jesus—I forgive. Amen.