Radical Forgiveness
When holding on to a wound, a betrayal, or a moment we wished never happened, those things become a bondage. In a sermon from the Men of Valor series, Minister Stephan Piggee preached a message that confronts the one thing every believer will have to come to terms with – forgiveness. He called it what it is: a radical, daily, painful act… but also the most liberating thing you will ever do.
“Let it go and live again,” Minister Stephan declared because forgiveness isn’t a feeling—it’s freedom, and until we let it go, we can’t really live.
Redefining a Father
The sermon began by reframing what it means to be a father. Being a father is not just transferring DNA—it’s transferring destiny. True men of valor don’t just provide—they protect, lead, and forgive. The preacher said, “A godly father is full of mercy—kindness, compassion, understanding—and most importantly, he forgives mistakes.” When we think about where that mercy comes from, we see it modeled in Christ, who is called “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” in 2 Corinthians 1:3.
God doesn’t just give mercy. He is mercy. He is the source of all comfort, all forgiveness, and all peace. And He wants us to become like Him. The truth, however, is that forgiveness is hard for us as humans. We get offended daily, and the deeper the wound, the harder it is to let go.
But when you realize that forgiveness is not a weakness, it’s warfare you learn to make a habit of it. It’s a decision—not to excuse the offense—but to hand it over to the only One who can judge rightly.
“Forgiveness is a choice to reflect God’s heart. A decision we make because it’s right, not because it’s easy,” Minister Stephan explained.
What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a decision of the will, not a feeling. It is a process, especially for deep wounds.
Additionally, it is a reflection of God's character. It is independent of the other person’s apology, a gift to yourself by helping you break free from the chains of resentment.
Unforgiveness does not protect us; it instead destroys us. We tend to use it as a defense mechanism, but it often becomes a disease. The danger of bitterness is that it spreads.
Stephan shared a story of an argument he had with someone while stopped at a bus stop. He was so upset at the other driver who approached him and began to yell at him while he was driving his daughter to school. His offense and anger were passed on to his child. Offense, bitterness, and anger can transfer to someone else you are around. That’s why Scripture warns us: not to be “outwitted by Satan” in 2 Corinthians 2:11.
Bitterness is a crack in the believer's armor, and the enemy knows how to use it. Letting pain linger will harden your heart until the very thing that hurt you now defines you.
“Mercy opens the door, and forgiveness allows you to walk through it. Mercy withholds the punishment. Forgiveness releases the pain,” the minister maintained. “Until you forgive, that is your only calling. Then you can worry about what else your calling is.”
These are two sides of God’s love: Mercy says, “I won’t punish you for what you did to me.”
Forgiveness says, “I won’t hold this against you anymore.” We have to walk in forgiveness because a Christian can’t live out their calling if they’re chained by unforgiveness.
Jesus Showed the Way
Jesus didn’t die for the deserving; He died for the guilty. And even while He was hanging on the Cross, bleeding and broken, He spoke the words that should define our lives: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).”
He didn’t wait for an apology. He didn’t wait for justice. He chose to forgive right away, radically. We must forgive because we are forgiven. That is the most important truth you’ll ever live. Radical forgiveness requires radical faith. Forgiveness isn’t a formula. It’s a daily death to self, a decision to bless instead of curse, to pray instead of punish, and to release an offense instead of rehearse.
V1 Church teaches that following Jesus isn’t a formula—it’s a funeral!
“When you forgive like Jesus, you show the world a love that defies all logic. You become a living witness of the gospel,” Minister Stephan concluded.
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
At V1 Church we believe in teaching Bible-based relationship principles so that you can your family can be strengthened. Connect with us using one of the links below – we’d love to see you and help you walk through the process of reconciliation.