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Blog Post Sermon: “Let It Go, Let It Flow: The Power of Forgiveness”

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces in the Christian life. The song “Let It Go, Let It Flow” beautifully captures the essence of what it means to forgive—both others and ourselves. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, especially when words have cut deep and hearts have grown cold, but it is essential for healing, growth, and freedom. As the song reminds us, when we let go of bitterness and allow forgiveness to flow, we not only heal our hearts but also open the door to love, unity, and peace.

This message of forgiveness aligns with Christian Libertarian Ideology, which values personal responsibility, individual freedom, and the importance of grace in human relationships. It also speaks to modern human perspectives on emotional and spiritual well-being, where forgiveness is recognized as key to moving forward in life. Let’s explore how the themes of this song relate to Scripture and what it teaches us about the transformative power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness Heals and Makes You Bold

“When words cut deep and hearts grow cold,
Unspoken pain, secrets told,
Lift your gaze, let love take hold,
Forgiveness heals, makes you bold.”

The opening verse of the song speaks to the wounds that come from harsh words, broken relationships, and emotional pain. These experiences can make hearts grow cold and lead to unspoken bitterness or resentment. However, the song encourages us to lift our gaze and let love take hold—because it’s through love and forgiveness that true healing begins.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending that the pain didn’t happen or excusing harmful behavior. Rather, it’s about releasing the hold that bitterness and resentment have on our hearts. In Christian Libertarian thought, personal freedom includes the ability to make moral choices that align with God’s will. Forgiveness is a choice—a bold act that requires strength, humility, and love. It is the key to spiritual freedom, allowing us to break free from the chains of bitterness and walk in the light of grace.

Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us with these words: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Forgiveness isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a command that reflects the forgiveness we’ve received from God. As the song reminds us, when we choose to forgive, we are healed, and we find the courage to move forward.

Letting Go and Letting Forgiveness Flow

“Let it go, let it flow,
Forgiveness, let it grow.”

The chorus of the song invites us to “let it go” and “let it flow,” emphasizing that forgiveness is not something we can hold onto tightly or force into existence. Instead, it is something that grows naturally when we release the hurt and open our hearts to grace. Just as a river flows freely, forgiveness must be allowed to move through us, washing away the bitterness and pain.

Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us of the importance of letting forgiveness flow: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Forgiveness is reciprocal. When we release others from the debts they owe us—whether emotional or spiritual—we are also releasing ourselves from the weight of carrying that burden.

From a modern human perspective, the idea of “letting go” resonates deeply with emotional well-being. Holding onto grudges or unresolved anger only harms us in the long run, creating stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues. Forgiveness, on the other hand, has been shown to lead to emotional freedom, healing, and peace. The song’s message to let forgiveness flow reminds us that, in letting go, we are choosing to live in the freedom that God desires for us.

Answering the Call to Forgiveness

“In the silence where tears might fall,
Release the hurt, answer the call,
With open hearts, begin anew,
In forgiveness, find your view.”

In this verse, the song touches on the internal struggle that many of us face when dealing with pain and betrayal. Sometimes, forgiveness requires us to sit in the silence, reflect on our wounds, and answer the call to release the hurt. It’s not an easy process, but it’s one that leads to renewal and a fresh perspective on life.

Christian Libertarian Ideology emphasizes personal responsibility, and part of that responsibility includes how we handle pain and hurt. We have the freedom to choose bitterness, but we also have the freedom to choose healing through forgiveness. When we open our hearts to God’s grace, we can begin anew, seeing the world and our relationships through a lens of mercy and compassion.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness is a way of bearing each other’s burdens, allowing space for healing and renewal in relationships. The song’s invitation to begin anew reminds us that forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual process of letting go, trusting God, and choosing to walk in grace.

The Power of Forgiving and Moving On

“There was a man who held a grudge,
Years went by, he couldn’t budge,
One day he found the strength to say,
‘I forgive you’ and walked away.”

This verse tells a simple yet profound story of a man who held onto a grudge for years, only to find freedom when he finally chose to forgive. It illustrates the truth that holding onto grudges only keeps us stuck, but forgiveness has the power to set us free.

The Bible is full of stories of forgiveness, from Joseph forgiving his brothers to the prodigal son being welcomed back by his father. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, and Jesus responds, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Forgiveness is not limited—it’s a continual act of grace.

The song’s message that forgiveness can allow us to “walk away” from the past is a powerful reminder of the freedom we have in Christ. When we forgive, we are not condoning the hurt, but we are choosing to release it and walk forward into the future God has for us. From a modern perspective, this is a reminder that forgiving others is as much about our own healing as it is about the other person’s.

Forgiving Yourself and Finding Peace

“Forgive yourself, forgive the past,
In the peace, find rest at last,
In every heart, let mercy flow,
Forgiveness, let it grow.”

The bridge of the song shifts the focus to an often-overlooked aspect of forgiveness: forgiving ourselves. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. We carry guilt, shame, and regret for the mistakes we’ve made, yet God’s forgiveness extends not only to others but to us as well.

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God’s forgiveness is complete. When we accept His forgiveness, we must also learn to forgive ourselves and let go of the past. The peace that follows is a reflection of the rest we find in Christ when we release the burdens of guilt and shame.

From a modern psychological perspective, self-forgiveness is essential for emotional health. Holding onto self-blame or shame can prevent us from moving forward and experiencing peace. The song’s call to forgive ourselves and find rest reminds us that in God’s grace, we are made whole, and in that wholeness, we can truly find peace.

Conclusion: The Path of Forgiveness Leads to Freedom and Unity

“Let It Go, Let It Flow” is a song that invites us to embrace the power of forgiveness, both for others and ourselves. In a world filled with hurt, betrayal, and pain, forgiveness is the key to healing, freedom, and peace. As the song reminds us, when we let go of grudges and allow forgiveness to flow through our hearts, we find unity, love, and the grace of God.

Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” When we choose forgiveness, we are not only freeing ourselves but also participating in the divine act of grace. As we let forgiveness grow in our hearts, we reflect God’s love and mercy to the world around us.

Let us be people who choose forgiveness, who let it go and let it flow, trusting that in God’s grace, we will find healing, peace, and freedom.

Amen.

Verse 1:

When words cut deep and hearts grow cold,

Unspoken pain, secrets told,

Lift your gaze, let love take hold,

Forgiveness heals, makes you bold.

Chorus:

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow,

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow.

Verse 2:

In the silence where tears might fall,

Release the hurt, answer the call,

With open hearts, begin anew,

In forgiveness, find your view.

Chorus:

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow,

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow.

Verse 3:

There was a man who held a grudge,

Years went by, he couldn’t budge,

One day he found the strength to say,

“I forgive you” and walked away.

Chorus:

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow,

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow.

Bridge:

Forgive yourself, forgive the past,

In the peace, find rest at last,

In every heart, let mercy flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow.

Chorus:

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow,

Let it go, let it flow,

Forgiveness, let it grow.

Outro:

In the peace, we are free,

In forgiveness, find unity,

With open hearts, love will stay,

In forgiveness, find the way.

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson