I Don't Think I Can Forgive Them

Pastor Brad Livingston

September 29, 2024

Main Idea

The main idea of Pastor Brad's message was that forgiveness is an internal process that liberates us from the hold of past hurts. It's not about condoning the actions of those who wronged us but about refusing to let their actions dictate our emotional well-being. By embracing forgiveness, we open ourselves to a life of freedom and favor. Pastor Brad used biblical references to illustrate that forgiveness is a gift we've received and, in turn, should freely give to others.

Scripture References

Ephesians 4:31-32, Hebrews 2:17-18 MSG, Romans 12:17-19 NLT, Ephesians 4:26-27, Romans 5:8, Matthew 10:8

What are some personal hurts that you find difficult to forgive, and why?

How does holding onto unforgiveness affect our emotional and spiritual well-being?

Discussion Questions:

In what ways can we practice forgiveness in our daily lives?

How does the example of Jesus' forgiveness influence our understanding of forgiveness?

What steps can we take to move towards forgiving someone who isn't sorry for their actions?

Summary

In Pastor Brad Livingston's sermon 'I DON'T THINK I CAN FORGIVE THEM' at Imagine Vision Night, he explored the transformative power of forgiveness. He emphasized that forgiveness is about our own healing rather than the person who hurt us. Pastor Brad identified common hurts that require forgiveness, such as betrayal and abuse, and clarified what forgiveness is not, including forgetting or approving of the offense. He encouraged us to understand true forgiveness as a process of releasing negativity and choosing to live in freedom from the actions of others.