In the story of the paralytic man, we see a profound truth about our deepest needs. While physical healing is important, Jesus reveals that our greatest need is forgiveness. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that forgiveness is the foundation of our relationship with God and a key aspect of our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.”
The Need for Forgiveness
Forgiveness addresses the alienation we feel from God and ourselves due to our wrongdoing. Jesus offers us perfect love, a new identity, endless comfort, hope, and glory. The doorway to all of this is forgiveness, and it’s time to open that door and walk through it. Forgiveness is not just a one-time event but a continual process that transforms our hearts and minds.
The paralytic man in Luke 5:17-26 came seeking physical healing, but Jesus saw his deeper need for spiritual healing. This story reminds us that our greatest burdens are often those we carry in our hearts—guilt, shame, and the weight of past mistakes. Jesus offers us freedom from these burdens through forgiveness.
- Study: Understanding forgiveness begins with scripture. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Studying passages about forgiveness helps us grasp its depth and significance in our lives. It reveals God’s heart for reconciliation and restoration.
- Share: Forgiveness is a gift meant to be shared. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Sharing forgiveness with others not only heals relationships but also reflects God’s grace and mercy. It breaks the cycle of hurt and opens the door to healing and reconciliation.
- Serve: Living out forgiveness means serving others with grace and compassion. It means letting go of grudges and extending mercy, just as we have received mercy. Serving others in this way creates a ripple effect of love and reconciliation in our communities. It demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness in action.
Conclusion: Forgiveness is more valuable than any material possession because it lasts forever and gives forever. At Lakeview Christian Church, we invite you to experience the transformative power of forgiveness and join us in sharing this gift with others. Let us be a community that embodies forgiveness, offering hope and healing to all who seek it. As we forgive, we reflect the heart of Jesus and fulfill our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.”
