Three Kinds of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood commands in Scripture. Many believers wrestle with guilt, confusion, or pain because they’ve been taught that forgiveness means forgetting, trusting again, or tolerating abuse. In this sermon, Dr. Rocky Ramsey brings Biblical clarity to a topic that carries eternal weight.

Rocky defines forgiveness as “letting go,” a concept rooted in both Hebrew and Greek Scripture (Psalm 103:12; aphiēmi). From there, he outlines three distinct expressions of forgiveness found in God’s Word.

Judicial forgiveness describes God’s once-for-all release of our guilt through Christ’s redemptive work (Luke 5:21; Ephesians 1:7). Psychological forgiveness calls believers to release bitterness, hatred, and revenge, entrusting justice to God alone (Romans 12:17–19). Relational forgiveness, however, involves restored fellowship and is conditioned upon repentance (1 John 1:9; Luke 17:3).

The message also clarifies what forgiveness is not: forgetting, a feeling, tolerance, trust, or mere words. Scripture shows that while psychological forgiveness must be extended unconditionally, relational forgiveness requires repentance and accountability.

Ultimately, believers are called to forgive because Jesus commands it, because unforgiveness damages the soul, and because walking in God’s will demands a heart free from bitterness (Matthew 6:12; Colossians 3:15).

This sermon offers hope for wounded hearts, wisdom for broken relationships, and freedom for those bound by unforgiveness.