If you want to thrive, you need to learn how to forgive. That was a key point from Pastor Troy Murphy's message on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 on forgiveness and the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18.21-35). Here are additional talking points:

*Forgiveness is not an option for Christ followers (Colossians 3.13).

*Focus on the Family: Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is not pretending you were not hurt. It is not condoning what the person did to you. Forgiveness is not trusting the offender. It is not relieving the person of responsibility.

*Holding on to victimhood and bitterness provides a false sense of comfort and justice against the ones who have offended us and only harm ourselves.

*God designs us in such a way that forgiveness is good for us.

*Jesus says if you want to be the greatest, seek humility.

*Jesus calls us to self-examine your life and practice self-denial.

*Jesus tells us to pursue people who have wandered.

*The correction we give in the body of Christ is for restoration, not judgment.

*Own God's power in your life.

*The debt that was paid for you and I far exceeds any wrong done to us.

*We are called to forgive everyone always from our heart.

*God created us to let go and pay off someone's debt.

*Who do you need to forgive?

*Choose to stop holding on to bitterness. Choose to start forgiving others.