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sermons on forgiveness

Explore the Best Sermons on Forgivness: Your Ultimate Resource Guide

Forgiveness may be a central theme in Christianity, but preparing a fresh message can seem daunting. Whether you are preparing your Sunday sermon on forgiveness or a mid-week Bible study, we’ve got you covered. Our SermonSearch collection of top sermons, sermon illustrations, and other preaching materials is curated so that you can find the right resources to help prepare and enhance your own Christian sermon on forgiveness. Have the tools to address the wide range of forgiveness topics and teachings.

You’ll find detailed sermon outlines to assist you in your sermon preparation on forgiveness, plus scripture references and insightful commentary. Whether you’re looking to emphasize the importance of forgiving others, understanding God’s forgiveness, or finding peace from forgiveness, this collection of sermon resources is tailored to equip pastors and church leaders. Explore our selection today and bring the transformative message of forgiveness to your congregation with clarity and conviction.

Popular Sermon Outlines:

The Power of Forgiveness

by Daniel Rodgers

Scripture Reference:

Matthew 18:21-35
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.""

The Main Point:

Forgiveness is transformative, releasing both the hurt and the bitterness within.

Summary:

This sermon tells a powerful story of how forgiveness can change lives, even in the most tragic situations. Daniel Rodgers illustrates that forgiving others can lead to personal peace and healing.

Scripture Reference:

John 8:1-11
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

The Main Point:

God’s forgiveness is miraculous and available to all, no matter the sin.

Summary:

Ernest Easley explores the boundless nature of God's forgiveness through the story of the woman caught in adultery. He encourages listeners to embrace God’s grace, which makes even the darkest sins white as snow.

The Freedom of Forgiveness

by Donald Cantrell

Scripture Reference:

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

The Main Point:

Forgiveness is a choice that leads to freedom, while bitterness traps us.

Summary:

Donald Cantrell explains that forgiveness is a choice just like bitterness. By choosing to forgive, we free ourselves from emotional and spiritual bondage, reflecting God's grace in our lives.

Remember Forgiveness

by Dennis Marquardt

Scripture Reference:

Matthew 5:21-26
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.

The Main Point:

Holding onto small offenses builds barriers, but forgiveness reflects Jesus’ love.

Summary:

Dennis Marquardt teaches that small, everyday offenses can pile up and hinder relationships if left unforgiven. He emphasizes that true spirituality includes forgiving others and moving past these offenses to maintain healthy relationships.

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Scriptures about Forgiveness:

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven...
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Sermon Illustrations On Forgiveness:

Our Greatest Need

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator.If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

Clara Barton

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don't you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," came Barton's reply, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."

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Sample Blessings & Prayers to End a Sermon On Forgiveness:

1. May you be blessed with the peace that comes from embracing the gift of forgiveness—both the forgiveness you receive and the forgiveness you offer. May your heart be lightened from the weight of past wrongs, and may you experience the freedom that only forgiveness can bring. As you release bitterness and anger, may you feel the warmth of God’s grace filling your soul, reminding you that His love is greater than any sin or failure. Walk in His light, knowing you are forgiven and empowered to forgive others, reflecting His mercy in all you do.

2. Merciful God, we come before You with open hearts, recognizing our need for Your grace and forgiveness. We confess the times we have fallen short, holding onto grudges and harboring bitterness. Lord, cleanse our hearts and renew our spirits. Teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us—freely, fully, and without condition. Help us to let go of the past, releasing the pain and hurt that have held us captive. Give us the strength to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us, just as You have extended Your boundless love and mercy to us through Jesus Christ. May we be vessels of Your peace, offering grace where there has been conflict, and love where there has been division.

Thank You, Lord, for Your endless compassion and for the gift of forgiveness that brings healing and restoration to our souls. We praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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