Forgive, But Don’t Forget Your Exit

Good morning, family!

Today, we are diving into something real - something raw - something that everybody loves to preach about until it’s their turn to do it.

Forgiveness.

That messy, complicated, soul-stretching act that sounds so good in a sermon, but feels so hard in real life. You know what I’m talking about.

Let’s be honest - forgiving someone who’s hurt you can feel like trying to hug a cactus: painful, awkward, and a little bit dumb. But God commands it. Not because He's trying to make us spiritual doormats, but because He knows something we tend to forget - unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

It doesn’t destroy them. It destroys you.

Let's unpack this today.

Forgiveness Is For You, Not Them

Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15:

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Forgiveness is God's soul detox plan.

It’s like spiritual Drano - it unclogs the mess inside you.

It sets you free. Not them.

You might still be sitting around, waiting for them to apologize, to send flowers, to cry on the floor begging you to take them back - but God is over here saying, "Let it go anyway."

Forgiveness isn't about making them feel better. It’s about clearing the path between you and God.

Because unforgiveness doesn’t just make you bitter - it blocks your blessings. It stops your prayers from reaching Heaven.

When you hold onto offense, you’re essentially saying, "God, please bless me while I stand here clutching this chain of resentment."And God lovingly says, "Child, drop the chain so I can put a crown in your hands."

Forgiveness ≠ Reconciliation

Now, listen carefully because some of y’all grew up in churches that taught you forgiveness meant you had to invite your enemy back into your living room... permanently.

Hell Nah Bruh! That’s not Bible. That’s bad boundaries.

Proverbs 4:23 says:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

You can forgive someone — truly, from the bottom of your heart — and still walk away.

Forgiveness is instant. Trust is earned. And relationship? That’s a privilege, not an obligation.

Even Jesus Himself walked away from certain people. John 2:24-25 says:

"But Jesus did not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person."

Jesus loved everyone. But He didn’t trust everyone. Neither should you.

Sometimes, Betrayal Is Your Blessing

Now, let’s address the betrayal. Because betrayal feels like somebody slammed a door on your heart... and then backed up and drove over it. Twice.

But here’s the truth: God will allow betrayal to PUSH you where your comfort never would.

Look at Jesus again.

Luke 22:47-48 says:

"While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'"

Imagine that — a kiss, the symbol of affection, used as the weapon of betrayal.. very Godfather 2 lol. But guess what? Judas' betrayal set the stage for Jesus' ultimate victory — the cross, the resurrection, the salvation of the whole world.

Without Judas, there would have been no cross. Without the cross, there would be no empty tomb. Without the empty tomb, there would be no victory.

Sometimes, God will let a Judas shake your life not to break you — but to BREAK YOU LOOSE.

That toxic relationship you wouldn't end? That friendship you thought you couldn’t live without? That job, that dream, that situation you stayed in too long?

God said, “Since you won’t move, I’ll let a betrayal push you out.”

Practical Takeaway: What Do I Do?

• Forgive them. Set them free — and yourself, too.

  
  

• Set boundaries. You’re a child of God, not a doormat.

  
  

• Discern relationships. Just because you forgive doesn't mean you resume.

  
  

• Recognize divine separation. Sometimes the door slamming in your face was God Himself giving you a way out.

  
  

Final Word

Family, forgiveness is a command, but access is a choice. Some folks gotta stay loved... from a distance.

You forgive, you bless, you release — but you also protect your peace like it’s a full-time job, because it is.

Romans 12:18 says:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Sometimes, living at peace means leaving people in God’s hands — and walking into your freedom.

Closing Prayer:

"Father, teach us to forgive quickly and completely. Teach us to guard our hearts without growing hard. And when betrayal comes, help us to see Your hand in it — moving us, positioning us, freeing us for greater things. We trust You with our hurts, and we thank You for the healing. In Jesus’ name, amen."