Forgiveness is one of the most powerful gifts God offers us—and one of the hardest for us to extend to others. In this episode, Pastor Chris Teien explores how forgiving others, and even forgiving ourselves, leads to freedom and deeper connection with God. Discover practical ways to let go of past hurts and live out the forgiveness Christ has shown to you.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335677

Key Points:

1. Forgive like God who sets us free from sin – Romans 4:8, Hebrews 8:12, Romans 8:1.
2. Forgive one another and be free to move forward – Colossians 3:13, Luke 6:35.
3. Forgoing forgiveness can become a self-destructive trap – Matthew 6:15, James 2:13, Ephesians 4:31–32.
4. Steps to forgive and move forward – Practical biblical counsel on overcoming recurring thoughts, praying for offenders, and extending grace.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares real-life experiences of dealing with forgiveness, including humorous and honest stories about old mistakes like a childhood gasoline fire, driving mishaps, and navigating misunderstandings with others. These stories offer relatable examples of how difficult—but necessary—forgiveness can be.

Notable Quotes:

• “When we truly forgive someone, it shouldn’t come up again in an argument.”
• “Forgiveness may be a process, but it’s a process that leads to freedom.”
• “At the cross, God was eating the cost of our sin so we could be set free.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Heart-level reflection: Ask God to reveal areas where unforgiveness is holding you captive.
2. Daily-life application: Choose today to forgive someone you’ve been holding resentment against.
3. Spiritual step or challenge: Pray for those who have hurt you, even if they never ask for forgiveness.
4. Practical next step: Write a forgiveness journal entry to mark the day you choose to release a burden to God.

Scripture References:

• Ephesians 4:32 – Forgive one another as God forgave you
• Romans 8:1 – No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus
• Hebrews 8:12 – God remembers our sins no more
• Colossians 3:13 – Forgive others as the Lord forgave you
• Matthew 6:15 – Warning about refusing to forgive
• James 2:13 – Mercy triumphs over judgment
• Luke 6:35 – Love your enemies and show mercy

Keywords:
 Forgiveness, Christian living, freedom, reconciliation, mercy, grace, healing relationships, bitterness, forgiveness process, emotional healing

Closing Statement:
 God’s forgiveness offers us freedom, and when we extend that forgiveness to others, we experience the life-changing grace and joy He intends for us. Forgive boldly, love deeply, and walk in freedom.

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Subscribe to Well Faith with Chris Teien where you get your podcasts or go to wellfaith.buzzsprout.com Easily search these messages on our well.faith website. Find inspiring posts, faith building resources, and encouragement for a better life at ChrisTeien.com Join us 10:15am Sundays in person at 93 Midway Dr, Virginia, MN 55792 or online at rockwell.church #rockwellchurch218

Note: New messages shared Sundays. Encouraging replay messages from Pastor Chris’s previous ministry (2021 and earlier), marked with an asterisk (*), shared Wednesdays.