Weekend Service for September 21Scripture Readings: Matthew 18:21-22 / Colossians 3:12-14Forgiveness is one of the most challenging commands Jesus gives us, yet it is central to the Christian life. Growing up in a Sicilian family, I saw firsthand how grudges can last for generations, often outliving the original offense. These grudges, rooted in pride and a sense of being wronged, end up hurting everyone involved. My own family experienced years of estrangement over a business dispute, only to realize—when faced with mortality—how empty and wasted those years of bitterness were. The reconciliation between my father and uncle, though late, was a powerful reminder that forgiveness is always possible, and that holding onto anger only robs us of precious time and peace.Jesus’ words in Luke 6 challenge us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hurt us, and to pray for those who mistreat us. This is not just a lofty ideal; it’s a command that cuts to the heart of our faith. It’s easy to love those who love us, but the real test is how we respond to those who have wronged us deeply. In my own life, especially through the journey of adoption, I have wrestled with anger and hatred toward those who have harmed my children. The pain and injustice are real, and forgiveness does not mean ignoring or excusing evil. But I have learned that holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die—it only destroys us from the inside.Scripture calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave us. This is not a call to minimize our pain, but to bring it honestly before God, trusting that only He can bear the weight of our wounds. We are not better than those who have sinned against us; all of us are in need of grace. Jesus, even as He was being crucified, prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” If we call ourselves followers of Christ, we must look to Him as our example and source of strength.Forgiveness is not a one-time act, but a daily decision to lay down our right to judge and to trust God with justice and healing. It is a process that requires humility, prayer, and a constant focus on Jesus. When we forgive, we unlock the prison we have built for ourselves and step into the freedom and peace that Christ offers. The cross is the answer, and Jesus is waiting for us to lay our burdens down and experience the unity and love He desires for His people.[00:00] Welcome[00:18] Introduction and Family Background[01:26] The Weight of Grudges in Family[03:56] The Challenge of Forgiveness[05:38] C.S. Lewis on Forgiving Enemies[07:31] A Story of Reconciliation[08:39] Jesus’ Command to Love and Forgive[10:17] Wrestling with Anger in Adoption[12:55] The Struggle to Be “Good Christians”[13:38] The Pain of Injustice[15:06] The Cost of Unforgiveness[16:26] Unforgiveness as a Prison[18:35] Clothed in Compassion and Forgiveness[19:52] We Are All Barabbas[21:29] How Do We Forgive?[23:55] Looking to Jesus as Our Example[25:42] The Freedom of Forgiveness[27:07] Closing Prayer