Welcome Message:Welcome to The Unreligious Podcast—where we spread the love of Jesus without judgment or by-laws, focusing solely on Jesus Christ and the Bible.UNRELIGIOUS PODCAST SHOW NOTESDATE: March 20, 2025Episode #24 – Forgiveness: The Hardest Command and the Greatest GiftIntroduction (10 minutes)Opening Theme Music / IntroHave a question or topic suggestion? Email us at theunreligiouspodcast@gmail.comDon’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and review this podcast—it helps spread the word!YouTube: The Unreligious PodcastInstagram: @theunreligiouspodcastCheck out our TEESPRING! → https://my-store-fdec99.creator-spring.comPRAYERDrew’s DippingThe ProdigalsChris’s Cousin Brad Just lost his 21 year old daughter (his 3rd he’s lost)PART 1: WHY WE STRUGGLE WITH FORGIVENESS Defining ForgivenessForgiveness is a powerful and deeply personal act that allows individuals to release resentment and anger toward those who have wronged them.According to Webster’s Dictionary, forgiveness is defined as “the act of forgiving; the state of being forgiven; the disposition or willingness to forgive.”Many believe forgiveness is about the other person, but in reality, forgiveness is for you. Holding onto bitterness or anger can weigh you down mentally, emotionally, and physically. It does not mean excusing the wrongdoing or forgetting the pain—it means choosing to free yourself from the burden of past hurts.BIBLICAL MEANING OF FORGIVENESSIn Matthew 18:15-17 NKJV, Jesus instructs that if a brother sins against you, you should first go and tell him his fault between the two of you alone. If he listens, you have gained your brother; if not, take one or two others with you, and if he refuses to listen to the church, treat him as a pagan or a tax collector.Forgiveness = Letting go of sinIn the Bible, forgiveness is about releasing others from their debts against us, just as God released us through Christ.Romans 8:1 – "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."Why Is It So Hard to Forgive?Fear of being hurt again.Fear of looking weak.Fear of them not facing justice.It feels like we’re letting them off the hook.Romans 12: 14-2114 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have[e] regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;If he is thirsty, give him a drink;For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.But, what if unforgiveness is actually keeping you on the hook?What Happens When You Hold a Grudge? (Science & Health Effects)Increases stress hormones (cortisol), leading to anxiety, depression, and even weight gain.Higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.Weakened immune system, making you more prone to illness.Poor sleep, digestive issues, and chronic pain.Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.What Forgiveness Does for Your Body & MindLowers stress and improves mental clarity.Releases dopamine and serotonin, boosting happiness.Strengthens your heart and immune system.Leads to longer life expectancy.The Bible confirms this truth:Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Matthew 18:21-35The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down [a]at his feet and begged ...
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