Forgiveness is not an elective in the curriculum of Christian living. It is a required course! We all know from personal experience that the exams—the times we must forgive others—present some of life's most arduous challenges. Yet Scripture warns that if we refuse to forgive others, we will receive the same refusal from our heavenly Father (Matthew 18:21-35). Not only does Jesus command us to forgive others, but He also calls us to humbly seek reconciliation for wrongs we have committed against others.

On the other hand, when we do pass the exams and offer forgiveness, it not only brings relief but leads to healing. In this message, we will examine forgiveness from both sides of the chasm—from the perspective of those asking for it as well as from the perspective of those granting it. It's time for us to take care of the unfinished business of forgiveness in our lives so we can begin to look ahead to a promising future.