Never Cast Out: Forgiven People Forgive
Download Conversation 109 here.
by Tim McAlpine: Tim is a CPYU Research Fellow and Discipleship Pastor at Trinity Christian School, Calgary, AB, Canada
READ
John 6:37
THINK
Jesus’ words in John 6:37 are both deeply comforting and deeply challenging: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” This promise speaks directly to the heart of the gospel. Jesus does not receive us cautiously or conditionally. He does not welcome us while keeping a mental list of failures. When we come to Him in faith, we are fully received, fully forgiven, and fully kept.
Forgiveness begins here. Before forgiveness is something we do, it is something we receive. We come to Jesus carrying sin, shame, regret, and brokenness, and He does not turn us away. He does not say, “Clean yourself up first,” or “Try harder next time.” Instead, He absorbs our sin through the cross and covers us with His righteousness. To be “never cast out” means our standing with God is secure, not because of our consistency, but because of Christ’s faithfulness.
This matters deeply when we talk about forgiving others. Forgiveness is not pretending wrong didn’t happen, excusing sin, or ignoring justice. Forgiveness is releasing the right to repay and entrusting judgment to God. It is costly, and that cost is why forgiveness is impossible apart from the gospel. When we refuse to forgive, we often forget how much we have been forgiven.
Jesus connects receiving grace with extending grace. Christians forgive not because people deserve it, but because Christ has forgiven us when we did not deserve it. Forgiveness becomes a must for Christians because it reflects the heart of the One who never casts us out. A forgiven heart is meant to be a forgiving heart.
This does not mean forgiveness is instant or easy. It may take time, prayer, and repeated surrender. But the motivation remains the same: we forgive because we belong to Jesus, and His mercy now defines how we live. When we forgive, we don’t lose—we display the power of the gospel at work in us.
APPLY
- Talk about a time when forgiveness felt hard. What made it difficult?
- Discuss how remembering Jesus’ forgiveness changes the way we view someone who has hurt us.
- Identify one relationship where forgiveness needs to begin—or continue—this week.
- Practice saying, “Because Jesus has forgiven me, I can choose to forgive,” even when our emotions don’t want to obey.
PRAY
Father God, thank You that when we come to Jesus, we are never cast out. Thank You for forgiving us fully and freely through the cross. Help us remember the mercy we have received when we struggle to forgive others. Soften our hearts, strengthen our faith, and shape us to reflect Your grace in our homes and relationships. We trust You with what is hard and for the grace to obey today. By Your grace and for Your glory, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
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