Let It Go (No, Seriously!)

Greetings Church! Ever held onto something so tightly it started to hurt? A grudge is like that. It’s that thing we squeeze with both hands, thinking it somehow gives us power over the person who hurt us. But honestly? The only person it's hurting is us. It’s like drinking poison and hoping the other person gets sick. Spoiler alert: they don’t.

Main Point 1: The Forgiveness Deal

Let’s get straight to the point. Jesus makes it crystal clear 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."

That’s not a suggestion. It’s a condition. God’s forgiveness comes with a catch—we’ve got to pay it forward. If we’re asking God to wipe our slate clean, we better not be holding permanent records on everyone else.

Main Point 2: The Lord’s Prayer Clause

You know the Lord's Prayer. We recite it, sometimes without even thinking. "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." Did you catch that? We’re literally asking God to forgive us the SAME way we forgive others. So if we’re clinging to every little offense, guess how God’s forgiving us? Yup. The same way. Scary thought, right?

Main Point 3: Grudge Holding is Heavy

Imagine carrying a backpack full of rocks. Each rock is a grudge, and every time someone wrongs you, you pick up another one. Pretty soon, you’re hunched over, exhausted, and wondering why life feels so hard. The crazy thing is, you could just take the backpack off. Forgiveness lightens your load.

Illustration: Imagine you’re driving, and someone cuts you off. You get angry and carry that frustration with you the rest of the day. You tell your coworkers, your family, and even bring it up at dinner. Meanwhile, the person who cut you off has long since forgotten. You’re still carrying them around, but they’re not even in the car anymore. Why let that person ride with you all day? Pull over, let them out, and drive on.

Main Point 4: Forgiveness Isn’t Forgetting

Let’s be clear. Forgiving doesn’t mean you pretend it never happened. It doesn’t mean you let people walk all over you. It means you refuse to let the hurt define your life. It’s about breaking free. You’re not saying what they did was okay. You’re saying it won’t hold you hostage anymore.

Application:

• Think of someone you’re holding a grudge against. (Don’t pretend there isn’t someone.)

• Pray for them. Even if it’s just, “God, help me not to hate them today.” Baby steps.

• Remember how much God has forgiven you. He’s wiped out way bigger debts than whatever you’re holding onto.

  
  

Life is too short to spend it weighed down by grudges. Jesus didn’t die on that cross so we could live bitter, angry lives. He did it so we could be free—free to love, free to forgive, and free to experience the full joy of God’s grace. So, let it go. No, seriously.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your forgiveness. Help us to extend that same grace to others, even when it feels hard. Soften our hearts, Lord, and free us from the burdens of anger and resentment. Remind us daily of Your mercy, and guide us to walk in love and peace. Let Your Spirit work within us to let go of the past and embrace the future You have planned. In Jesus' name, Amen.