What do you do when someone has really hurt you? In the conclusion to our How to Be Courageous series, we discover that forgiveness is one of the most courageous things we'll ever do. Walking through Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant, we learn why we forgive from a place of already being forgiven, why letting go is so much harder than "just letting it go," and how holding onto offense keeps us trapped rather than the person who hurt us.

Whether you're carrying a fresh hurt or a wound that's followed you for years, this message offers a practical, grace-filled path forward: name the hurt, remember the mercy you've received, and release the person to God. Forgiveness doesn't mean the pain wasn't real. It means you're ready to walk out of the prison and let God begin to heal your heart. 

0:00 Concluding the Courage Series
2:21 Why We Forgive: Forgiven First
3:19 Why Forgiveness Takes Courage
6:12 Peter's Question: How Many Times?
8:20 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
14:44 Zach's Story: Freedom to Forgive
26:34 Giving Up the Judge's Seat
33:34 Three Movements and a Prayer to Close

Preached by Jacob Gaines on July 12, 2026 at Local Vineyard Church.

Watch the video and find more at https://localvineyard.church/messages/how-to-be-courageous/the-courage-to-forgive

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