Date: 04/17/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This week’s key word is Forgiveness.

The Bible teaches us that we should always forgive others, no matter how badly they may have hurt us. In the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” (Matthew 6:14). This is a powerful reminder that we must forgive if we are to be forgiven. This week’s message addresses how forgiveness works and why it is so important to our spiritual growth.  In addition, we will talk about the ultimate example of forgiveness that Jesus gave us when He died on the cross for our sins. By understanding this message of forgiveness, we can learn to be more forgiving.

First, I would like to  address forgiveness with three questions: 1. Is there someone in your life who makes your blood boil? 2. Does the mention of his or her name produce a stabbing pain in your gut? 3. Has this person hurt you beyond what you think you can forgive?  My brothers and sisters you may have been in the right, and you may be deeply wounded, but refusing to forgive those who have hurt you leads only to personal bondage. This bondage develops from an unforgiving heart that can make you feel powerless, hateful, angry, and bitter. It disconnects you from others.

God has called us to live in peace but it is impossible to cultivate peaceful relationships while harboring resentment for others. Forgiveness sets you free to pursue God’s call of peace on your life. To forgive the unforgivable we must follow Jesus’ example. He modeled extraordinary forgiveness when He hung on the cross. In His hour of distress He said, “…, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34).

If Jesus could forgive the hateful, malignant, and vicious hands that nailed Him to the cross, then we, by His Spirit, should pray for the power to forgive those who have offended, hurt, or even wronged us. Jesus’ plea from the cross teaches us that our sins are forgiven through Christ because of the divine will of God. We also see in His death how He forgave those who sent Him to the cross. Instead of seeking revenge, we must forgive as the Lord forgave us.  Colossians 3:13 tells us, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

This is the freedom Jesus secured on the cross, freedom from the wages of sin and the freedom to forgive others. As Galatians 5:1 tells us, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  My brothers and sisters, is your life filled with the peace and power of God or is it consumed with hatred, bitterness, and anger? Jesus is prepared to forgive you fully and to empower you to forgive others. You can walk in freedom today. Until next week let us remember, “… with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop