Forgiving Families | Rev. Adam Hamilton | Church of the Resurrection

In this powerful first message of a three-part series, Pastor Adam Hamilton revisits one of the most requested topics from his congregation: FORGIVENESS. Speaking with honesty and warmth, he explores how pain within families—between parents and children, spouses, and siblings—is both deeply personal and deeply human. Using vivid metaphors and relatable stories, he reminds us that forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs, but about choosing to let go of the weight we carry.

Drawing from the Biblical stories of Genesis, Pastor Adam highlights the dysfunction and reconciliation within the first families of Scripture. From Abraham and Sarah to Joseph and his brothers, these stories reflect the brokenness found in our own lives and relationships. Through Hebrew and Greek words like nasa (to lift, carry) and aphiemi (to release), we begin to understand forgiveness as a way to set ourselves free from the burden of bitterness, even when the pain runs deep.

This sermon will challenge and encourage you to look inward—whether you’re carrying small daily frustrations or the weight of a lifetime of hurt. You’ll learn practical steps like remembering your own shortcomings, assuming the best in others, praying for those who have hurt you, and seeking to understand their story. It’s a call to begin the slow, healing work of letting go—with compassion, grace, and sometimes, with help from a counselor or trusted guide.

If you've been holding onto something for too long, this message is for you. Watch the full sermon and take the first step toward healing. It may not happen overnight, but it can begin today.

Highlights:
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:34] - Reading of Scripture
[1:54] - Intro Video
[2:20] - Sermon Intro: We Are Going To Talk About Forgiveness
[4:52] - Celebrating Mothers On Mother’s Day
[6:11] - The Importance of Forgiveness
[7:03] - Forgiveness in Families: Genesis
[13:00] - What Is Forgiveness?
[14:45] - Forgiveness Is Not Excusing Bad Behaviour
[17:53] - Will You Let Go?
[23:37] - Three Basic Tips
[27:24] - What About Real Betrayals or Real Pain?
[31:02] - Sometimes We Need To Chisel Away With It
[35:43] - Choose Love and Forgiveness
[37:30] - Conclusion
[39:22] - Closing Prayer
[40:15] - Thank You For Watching

Visit our website: https://resurrection.church/

Connect with us on social media!
Facebook:   / weareresurrection  
Twitter: https://x.com/umcresurrection
Instagram:   / resurrectionumc  
Youtube:    / @churchoftheresurrection  

Learn more from us at https://resurrection.church/next

#ResurrectionAUnitedMethodistChurch #Forgiveness #HowToForgive