Pray: Forgive (Hilary Dalziel)

In this message, Hilary explores the line from the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12–15). Using the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15) and Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness in Matthew 18, she highlights how God’s forgiveness toward us is extravagant, unconditional, and joy-filled — and how He calls us to extend that same forgiveness to others.Hilary reminds us that unforgiveness hardens our hearts, distorts our view of God, and damages relationships, as seen in the elder brother’s resentment. Drawing on stories from Scripture, church history, and modern testimony, she shows that forgiveness is not pretending the hurt never happened, but daily choosing to release resentment and trust God with justice.Ultimately, forgiveness opens the door to healing and hope — turning even places of sorrow and judgment into “a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15). Just as Jesus turned the cross, a place of death, into the source of life and peace, we are invited to receive God’s mercy (1 John 1:9) and extend it to others, living as a forgiven and forgiving people.