Can You Really Forgive and Forget?

New Hope Church | becomehope · Apr 16, 2026 · 33m

Jesus commands us to forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven. But why is forgiveness so HARD?

TWO GREEK WORDS FOR FORGIVENESS:

Aphiēmi (147 times in NT, 42 times from Jesus) - Means "to LEAVE something." Leave behind our emotional tie to the offense.

Charizomai (24 times, all in Paul) - Means "to show MERCY." Give mercy to others like God gave us mercy.

Forgiveness = Leave the emotional tie + Show mercy.

WHY IS FORGIVENESS HARD?

Not because of what forgiveness IS. It's the UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS we pile onto it.

MYTH #1: "Forgive and Forget"

The Bible NEVER says this. We're wired…