Forgiveness Sake
Scripture:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
Observation:
This past Sunday, Pastor Julius spoke about what it truly looks like to cultivate a home that reflects forgiveness and love. In a healthy home, forgiveness isn’t optional; it’s essential. It reveals our true character and reflects the heart of Christ. It’s easy to believe we’re doing the right things outwardly, but God always looks deeper—He weighs our hearts.
This Palm Sunday message felt especially personal for me, as I watched my 13-year-old daughter get baptized right after service. After three years of being planted at Redemption Church, I’ve seen how God has worked through her youth mentors, through serving in ministry, and even through my own example as her mother. Her decision to be baptized was her own, but it was shaped by what she has consistently seen and experienced.
In that moment, I became even more aware of how important it is that our home reflects Christ and mirrors what we believe—not just through love and generosity, but through forgiveness as well. I want our home to continue being a place that reflects Christ clearly and consistently: where we choose forgiveness quickly, even when it’s hard; where we examine our hearts and motives, not just our outward actions; where we live generously first, so others can see Christ through us; and where we create an environment in which love is felt, not just spoken.
Application:
Forgiveness is the most challenging piece for me. It requires humility, surrender, and a deep trust in God’s justice over my own feelings. It means we have to overlook offense, turn the other cheek, and let the hurt go. But it’s also one of the clearest ways we reflect Jesus.
I want my daughter to grow up seeing that forgiveness is normal in our home—that holding onto hurt or keeping score is not the way, but releasing everything to God and trusting Him over and over again is how we truly win. Her baptism wasn’t just a moment, but the beginning of her journey to grow deeper in relationship with Him.
I want to continue being the kind of example that points her back to Jesus in every area—especially in how I love, how I give, and how I forgive. If there is something you are holding onto, I promise you it’s not worth the separation it can bring to your relationship with God. Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s vital.
If there is bitterness in your heart, let Him wash it away today. You might not feel it at first, but in time, your heavy heart will become lighter, and your life will change for the better.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for this moment and what it represents in our family. Thank You for my daughter’s decision to follow You and for the work You’ve been doing in her heart over the years. Help all of us to lead our homes in a way that reflects You fully; not just in words, but in how we live. Teach us to forgive quickly and genuinely, even when it’s difficult. Search our hearts and align our motives with Yours. Break anything that tries to divide or harden our hearts. In Jesus Name, Amen.