Part 3: Forgiveness

Pastor Hans continued the series Love: The Greatest Commandment, by teaching that forgiveness is essential to walking in love and walking in love is essential for our faith to function. Galatians 5 reminds us that faith works through love. When we are aligned in love, our faith is active and effective. But unforgiveness disrupts that alignment and can hinder our spiritual growth.

Jesus connected forgiveness directly to powerful prayer in Mark 11, showing that we cannot separate faith from a forgiving heart. Forgiveness restores our fellowship with God and keeps us free from bitterness and bondage.

Forgiveness is not a feeling, nor does it always mean reconciliation or restored trust. It is a decision of the will. We choose to forgive others, and in doing so, we rely on the Holy Spirit for strength so we can walk in obedience to the Lord.

In conclusion, to keep our faith strong and our hearts free, we must live a lifestyle of forgiveness. It is the answer that keeps our hearts aligned, our faith alive, and our freedom intact, because love is the atmosphere where faith breathes. So inhale faith, exhale love.