Forgiveness From the Heart… and Learning to “Agree to Disagree”

Today’s service gave me a lot to think about.

Not because I left angry. Not because I’m trying to be negative. But because it reminded me that church is real life. Sometimes you’re going to hear things that hit you right in the heart… and sometimes you’re going to hear a take you don’t fully agree with.

And I think both can be true in the same service.

The Main Message: Forgiveness Isn’t Optional

The sermon came out of Matthew 18:21–35 — where Peter asks Jesus how many times he has to forgive someone who keeps doing him wrong.

Peter throws out a number that sounds generous: “Seven times?”

And Jesus basically tells him, “Not seven… but seventy times seven.” Not because Jesus wants us sitting there with a calculator, but because forgiveness isn’t meant to have a finish line.

Then Jesus tells a parable about a servant who owed a massive debt — something he could never repay. The king had compassion and forgave the whole thing.

But that same servant walked out and immediately grabbed another man by the throat over a much smaller debt and threw him in prison.

A community that’s been forgiven is supposed to be a community that forgives.

That’s the part that landed on me. Because when I really understand how much grace God has given me, it should change how I treat other people — especially the ones who have hurt me.

The Line That Convicted Me: “Forgiveness From Your Heart”

One of the heaviest reminders today was that Jesus ties forgiveness to our own spiritual health. Not in a petty way. Not in a “God is out to get you” way. But in a serious way — like, this matters.

Because bitterness doesn’t just sit quietly in a corner. It spreads.

And if I’m honest, I’ve had people hurt me. I’ve had situations I can replay in my head like a movie. I’ve had moments where I felt like someone owed me an apology, owed me respect, owed me peace.

So the question becomes: what am I doing with that?

Am I letting God heal it?
Or am I holding onto it like it’s a weapon?

Entitlement vs Grace

Another part of the message was about entitlement — how people can start acting like the world owes them something. And that’s not just a “society” thing. That’s a heart thing.

The parable shows it perfectly: a man gets shown mercy, then turns around and becomes harsh and cruel. He acts entitled — like he deserves grace but nobody else does.

I don’t want to be like that. I want to be the kind of man who remembers where God brought me from… and how many times He’s forgiven me… and how patient He’s been with me.

Where I Disagreed: Immigration (Respectfully)

I’m going to be honest, because that’s how I write and that’s who I am: when the sermon moved into immigration, I didn’t fully agree with the pastor’s conclusions.

And I want to say this clearly: I’m not mad, and I’m not attacking anyone. I’m willing to agree to disagree on it.

Here’s what I believe: people can come into the United States — if they do it the right way.

To me it’s like this: I wouldn’t just let anyone walk into my house. Not because I hate people. Not because I assume the worst about everyone. But because boundaries matter, and safety matters.

I think it’s reasonable that a country has a process:

People should be checked and screened
Criminals should not just be let in
People should come in ready to be responsible and productive members of society

I’m not saying that to be cold. I’m saying it because I believe order matters. And I believe it’s okay to say: “Come in — just come in the right way.”

But I Still Heard God Today

Even though I didn’t agree with every part of the message, I still believe God spoke.

Because the biggest question I left with wasn’t, “What’s my political opinion?”

The biggest question was: Who do I need to forgive?

Who am I still holding hostage in my mind? Who still has a grip on my emotions? Who do I keep replaying?

I don’t want to carry that anymore.

What I’m Taking Into This Week

Let God search my heart for bitterness I’ve been calling “justified.”
Forgive from my heart, not just with words.
Stay grounded in Christ, even when I disagree with someone’s perspective.

Being a Christian isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about becoming more like Jesus.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, thank You for the forgiveness You’ve shown me.
Help me forgive the people I’ve been holding resentment toward.
Heal what’s been wounded in me, and give me the strength to release it.
Teach me how to live with grace and truth, and help me stay focused on You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

— Josh Bridges