If you’ve spent much time at all around a church you’ve probably heard your fair share of messages on forgiveness. And after a while the idea, the concept, the need seems to be less important and more just a pastoral preaching point. It’s must be one of those topics they tell pastors to preach on when they are in seminary. So, what’s the big deal, anyway?

     Forgiveness is something that we know we need to experience from God, through Jesus Christ. We know that by being forgiven by God we enter into a relationship with Him. We become new creatures, new followers of Jesus. But once we’ve come to Jesus, been forgiven of our sin, we really don’t need to continue to hear about forgiveness, or do we?

     In our broken human nature we all have a natural tendency to be offended, some of us more easily than others. As we hang out together, we find that we can get on each other’s nerves. Taking offense always hinders our relationships, placing barriers and obstructions between us and others.  And in taking that offense we allow a disruption the flow of fellowship within the church family. But isn’t that just how life is? Some people are just annoying, right?

    Or is it more? Is your unwillingness to forgive holding our church back? How can your unwillingness to forgive have anything to do with the health and ministry of the church? When you and I engage with God, by His Spirit, to forgive someone it changes things. It changes situations. It sets people free from the bondage of unforgiveness. It sets relationships back on the path to health and healing. It clears the air. It restores the unity in the body which allows the Holy Spirit to have freedom to move in our midst, in ways He can’t in an atmosphere of bitterness and unforgiveness. My heart and your heart attitude can restrict or release the Holy Spirit to move in power in our church family. When our hearts are open to the Spirit to respond to forgive others, we restore the power of unity in our church that positions us to be a powerful force for the gospel. Will you let go of the offenses of the past? We’ve all been hurt. It’s time to heal.

    So, who do you need to forgive, to restore unity in our church family so together we can be powerful in God’s hands for the gospel?