8/31/2026
Good Morning, Dear Friends,
Last week I mentioned three words that every person needs to let flow freely from his or her lips, “I am sorry.” Today, let me introduce another short, three-word phrase: “I forgive you.”
It’s hard to give those words sometimes. I’d like to remind you of these words from the apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians. These are words that I’ve used as part of the Scripture reading in a lot of weddings, because these are essential if you want to make your marriage last. Paul wrote, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
If you’re unwilling to bear with each other (that means, to put up with each other, and to forgive one another), then over time you’re going to be incredibly weighed down. Are you going to carry all that stuff with you, or are you going to forgive one another? Just as God in Christ has forgiven you.
I wish that we all could recognize the high physical and emotional cost of holding onto resentment. On its website, the Mayo Clinic has a whole page devoted to what happens when people let go of bitterness and resentment. If you can let go of the baggage you’re carrying, here are the results, according to the Mayo Clinic: Lower blood pressure, stress reduction, lower heart rate, lower risk of alcohol or substance abuse, fewer depression symptoms, fewer anxiety symptoms, improved psychological well-being. These are the benefits of letting go of your baggage. What you’re saying is, “I’m not going to let this other person kill me. I’ve got to find a way to let this go.”
When we forgive someone who has wronged us, we begin to experience the redemptive blessings in our suffering. You see, God promises to take the things that are hurtful and painful in our lives and bring something good from them. God brings joy out of mourning, beauty out of ashes, praise out of heaviness — God brings all of that out of the pain we’ve been through.
So, here is my invitation to you: If you want to successfully navigate life, learn to say regularly these six simple words: I am sorry, and I forgive you. You know someone today you need to apologize to (I’m guessing), and you know someone today that you need to work on forgiving.
Today is the day, and now is the time,
Bruce Jones, Pastor
Imagine Church
5501 Highway 55 East
Clover SC 29710
980-999-3500
