29 April 2026
There is Absolutely No Way I Will Forgive Them For What They Have Done to Me - Biblical Counseling
Emmanuel Baptist Church of Jacksonville - Sermons
About
We have all felt the sting of a deep wound—the kind that makes us want to draw a line in the sand and declare, "Never." But what happens to our souls when we refuse to let go? This sermon explores the heavy cost of harboring a grudge and the spiritual paralysis that comes with bitterness. Using the King James Version as our guide, we examine how a refusal to forgive doesn't just hurt our relationship with others; it severs our connection with the Father.
The Powerless Life: We are spiritually powerless when we are angry at God and divided from Him. Bitterness creates a wall that stifles our prayer life and prevents us from experiencing God's fullness.
The Mirror of the Heart: If we ask God to reveal if we are holding a grudge, He is faithful to show us. Forgiveness isn't necessarily about embracing the offender; it’s about releasing them for the sake of our own spiritual health.
The Tongue and the "But": You cannot claim to walk in love while speaking cutting words the moment someone leaves the room. True forgiveness is tested in the secret places: What do you think when their name is mentioned? Do you follow a compliment with a "but" to ensure their reputation remains tarnished?
Living by Faith: Every time you choose to turn your offender over to God instead of gossiping or seeking revenge, you are performing an act of faith.
Reflection Questions
"Is this my problem or their problem?"
If it is yours, it is time to seek forgiveness. If it is theirs, it is time to turn them over to the Only One who can truly judge righteously. Stop carrying the weight of a debt you were never meant to collect. Focus on God’s goodness, silence the "but" in your conversations, and reclaim the peace that bitterness has stolen.
The Powerless Life: We are spiritually powerless when we are angry at God and divided from Him. Bitterness creates a wall that stifles our prayer life and prevents us from experiencing God's fullness.
The Mirror of the Heart: If we ask God to reveal if we are holding a grudge, He is faithful to show us. Forgiveness isn't necessarily about embracing the offender; it’s about releasing them for the sake of our own spiritual health.
The Tongue and the "But": You cannot claim to walk in love while speaking cutting words the moment someone leaves the room. True forgiveness is tested in the secret places: What do you think when their name is mentioned? Do you follow a compliment with a "but" to ensure their reputation remains tarnished?
Living by Faith: Every time you choose to turn your offender over to God instead of gossiping or seeking revenge, you are performing an act of faith.
Reflection Questions
"Is this my problem or their problem?"
If it is yours, it is time to seek forgiveness. If it is theirs, it is time to turn them over to the Only One who can truly judge righteously. Stop carrying the weight of a debt you were never meant to collect. Focus on God’s goodness, silence the "but" in your conversations, and reclaim the peace that bitterness has stolen.