FORGIVENESS... Part 2 - THE REST OF THE STORY

Subscribe to Matthew West on KZbin: storyhousec.co/...
Today, a prisoner is being set free. Meet Eric, the other side of the "Forgiveness" story. Get a tissue, open your heart, watch this video, and be reminded of the power of forgiveness.
November 26, 2012 is a big day in the story of Matthew West's song FORGIVENESS! Watch the story here. Get the album here: missinginkshop...
Your Story. His Glory. Visit popwe.org to share yours!

[@lourdesvasquez8243]

This song reminds me of the day I stood in court in front of the man that murdered my beautiful 13yr old daughter. And told him that I forgave him. It was the most liberating feeling, knowing that I had not only forgiving him. but also felt compassion for him.. How could I not forgive, when God, has forgiven us for ours. I hope to one day be allowed to visit him in prison.

[@christianawilliams9101]

Lourdes Vasquez Jesus loves you so much. I can't wait to see all my brothers and sisters in Heaven. It hurt my heart to read this. I'm 17 and blessed beyond measure. Praying for you to feel His love strongly today

[@jasonwubbels7256]

Without Forgiveness all you have is Anger and Hate that will Destroy you inside!

[@scottfisher2278]

This is the most powerful song written and performed by Matthew. Especially for believers, forgiveness is an obligation to our gracious Master and Redeemer. Nobody said it better than Him: "If you forgive men not of their trespasses, neither will your Heavenly Father forgive you of your trespasses" Matthew 6:15.

[@oldgoat142]

I became born again many years ago as a much younger man. I had only been married a couple of years and my family was starting to grow. I truly believed it would be all good from that point on. Little did I know I would find myself enduring trials by fire I thought couldn't happen to a child of The King. The arguments between my now ex-wife and I began small, but quickly escalated. She began drinking heavily and using both legal and illegal narcotics to self medicate and combat what I now recognize as depression. The crazy cycle started. It wasn't long before it exploded into violence on my part. I was on my feet literally 18 to 22 hours every single day trying to hold my marriage together, and be both mom and dad at the same time. My three girls were caught in the middle. Before I even realized it, I was tried and convicted of domestic violence. divorced, with a crushing child support payment, home foreclosed on, and worst of all, my wife and kids gone. The silence of the tomb both inside my heart and in the small apartment I found myself in was deafening. I spiraled out of control. The excruciating pain of becoming the very same monster I despised in others, the loss of my family, my very identity as a husband, father, man, became too much to bear. Every single day became a struggle. I found myself in survival mode, until one day, my mind could bear it no longer. Hit rock bottom? More like smash into it from 100,000 feet with no parachute. I wanted to die, and indeed, I tried to do that very thing the morning of September 11, 2011. God however, had other plans. Yet again, He saved me. He knocked me out with the force of a heavyweight boxing champion. The next 48 hours are a mere blur, but that Tuesday night, in a dream so powerful that I remember tiny details to this day, He told me, "You're going to be alright." The last few years have been a struggle, but through the grace of God Almighty, and prayer, and more trials by fire then I care to count, He has brought me out of the wilderness. My ex-wife is in recovery. She has forgiven me as she has asked forgiveness from me. We've become friends. My relationship with my girls is restored, and most important, my relationship with Abba, my Father, is restored as well. As my sister once said, "Who are you to not forgive yourself when Jesus has forgiven you?" I realize now that that has been a huge part in what has been holding me back. I still have a ways to go, but through His Grace, and Mercy, and His promise to me so many years ago, I'm going to be alright. I hope my story helps someone out there who feels there's no way out. Lean not on your own strength, but lean on Him. Trust in Him. He's down in that deep dark pit with you and He knows the way out. May God bless you, and peace be to you.

[@mulbahpnurse3468]

Great story, thanks so much for sharing your story with US.

[@oldgoat142]

@@mulbahpnurse3468 Thank you for taking time to read it. It's a blessing to me. May peace be with you.

[@michellel4424]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@oldgoat142]

@@michellel4424 May the peace of God always be with you.

[@EmmanuelIgezunya-Esi]

Thanks for sharing

[@eugenevanvuuren2738]

Thank you Jesus for your Forgiveness everyday!!!

[@anthonytudor2175]

i still cry when i hear this story today

[@Apb23]

I LOVE THIS STORY. We are ALL sinners. There is none good, no not one. And Jesus paid the sin debt we owed God by laying down His life on the cross... paying with His blood, for our forgiveness, for our redemption, for our eternal life. Because He did this, God commands everyone everywhere to confess your sin to Him, repent/forsake your sin and your ways, surrender your life that He has made back to Him and put your full trust and faith in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness and eternal salvation that God has freely given. When we do this willingly and honestly, He makes us new, He gives us a new spirit, He makes us born again, adopting us as His children, bringing us into His family.... giving us His Holy Spirit as a seal until the day of redemption... the day we go to heaven. Bless the LORD! He has done great things for us!

[@GraceWithTheGrit]

8 years later, and it remains absolutely beautiful! Thank you Jesus for empowering us to forgive, like You did even at the point of death 🙏🏽

[@scottfisher2278]

Amen. One of the most beautiful verses is Luke 23:34: "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do"!

[@cathymcclain9599]

I need to forgive my son, who went to prison after he got involved in drugs. I had to raise his three children and go on, after 15 years he still has not stopped drug use. I pray for the strength to forgive him, so that I can be forgiven.

[@mandyedwards6729]

Cathy in my life I’ve learnt that asking for forgiveness plants the seed that will flower in time as long as you don’t forget to water it ... by caring for your grandchildren you have well and truest watered it ... we don’t have to accept the behaviour as ok ... just ask God to forgive for us until the hurt heals... God blesses you for your sacrifice and that flower can bloom in his children’s lives.

[@kristyking6386]

The power to set me free is Forgiveness. I was married for 6 years, we have a 5 year old daughter. We are currently in court and a bought judge and Dr. gave my little girl to her father. All part of the buddy system because he is a Highway Patrol. I am a faithful follower of Christ and he is a lost soul. He turned his verbal/mental abuse around on me and that is why I lost my daughter. I never thought I'd forgive him. Jesus forgave and I have forgave. The fights not over with my daughter. God is still in the miracle business and I know he will work all things out for His Glory. But I Do Forgive the man who has caused me so much pain and heart for the past 6 years.

[@mary13531]

Forgiveness sets you free like nothing else.

[@debrarosenblum9055]

THAT'S GRACE!!!!! PRAISE GOD

[@cheeryochelle1717]

I was able to see Eric & Renee at the Matthew West concert. It was so touching to hear them speak.

[@BritBatman1]

Renee is a true hero, and Matthew did a great job at making that story known nationally. To God be the praise and may God allow Matthew to keep on writing songs and inspiring many. PRAISE GOD!!!!!

[@DragonMaster398]

Repentance breaks us out of the bars of temptation and into God's merciful, and forgiving arms. What a wonderful story and song to spread to others!

[@deb6230]

Wow How God’s love can heal unforgiveness and set us free

[@SuperSpieth]

GOD'S forgiveness can free you too.

[@robinjackson3423]

I know what it means to forgive someone who has hurt you. I remember the day well. I stood beofr the Judge and the two girls who murdered my daughter and I looked each one in the eye and said I forgive you. Was it easy? No, but today 21 years later I can still say I forgive you because of the Lord's help!

[@tinaunger2913]

Amen Amen thank you Jesus

[@maximummax9851]

How glorious is that

[@clarencehanes6080]

We lost are aunt Mary passed ways on this Sunday us in our prayers please we all pray for you ❤

[@adetunjioluseyi1728]

powerful story ever on earth

[@kenjerseyalcazar924]

thank you for this inspirational message. i found my self crying and i pray to God. then i feel the presence of Our Lord, "Forgive and you will be free." thank you for giving me hope. thank you Lord. God Bless you!

[@dadarq3700]

sO bless in this story...every day I choose to forgive the person who has hurt me the most...I know I will be healed from all of the hurt in GODS time.

[@itsmecaitlin101]

Straight up chills. Praise God for redemption and second chances.

[@paytonconnerful]

i will admit it now, i cried during this video.

[@manuelabayon7028]

Amen. Thank you Jesus.

[@janemueni963]

Matthew, you are amazing............ forgiveness is the thing.

[@Ironninja84]

i went to one of your concerts here in florida and i was sitting right in front of Renee family when i heard you telling this story. its heart touching and ive been telling my friends this same story too and the story touched there hearts too. :' )

[@purpletyc]

I'm also one that is hearing this story and in tears. I think that's the hardest thing someone can do when something this tragic has happened. When I think of what I have gone through its nothing compared to her story. But, it's hard to forgive. I pray every night to be able to forgive

[@anshualee3003]

Shane Willard teaching: "Our job is to love and expose God. God's job is to judge and convict". We don't have to carry the burden of the judgement - we can leave that in the safe hands of a Just and Righteous God. Our responsibility is to love and forgiveness is EXTREME LOVE. And in that action, we expose people to God's love and A Risen Christ - who has already paid for each one's sin, no matter the size of it. Thank you, Matthew West, for sharing your amazing talent with us and for your team who has brought this wonderful testimony to us. I, in turn, have shared it with people around me. God Bless you continuously exceedingly abundantly as you share your creativity with us.

[@bree96xo]

this is such a powerful story.Just think about it,God forgives us even though we are the reason His son, died.

[@clarencehanes6080]

I love you so much too Matthew West you are favorite

[@fharmon03]

Amen what a powerful story.

[@missvie7278]

i found myself crying .....whilst watching this vd...thank yu so much

[@saraswinerton7202]

Nashie Michael same

[@lougarcia3899]

That has to be one of the most touching stories I have ever heard .God blesses and forgives us...we have to fi rgive other as He forgives us!!

[@JettBlast]

I am so grateful that Renee and Mathew shared this story how God shares His Love and His Forgiveness!

[@Ronnie176ify]

Beautiful story of forgiveness

[@IRENE-t4u]

"TRUE SINCERE REPENTANCE"😢🙇‍♀️🙏📖❤️🤍⚓️🙌🇺🇸

[@taylorreed3628]

I just cannot get over how amazing this is

[@adetunjioluseyi1728]

powerful lyrical song.

[@mariecardozo1316]

Hi my is Marie this story it's really amazing it's has help me through a lot and more right know that I'm going through something really hard in my life and listening to this song n the story it all come down to me that I have to learn to forgive does people that has been hurting you n specially forgive yourself that sometimes that is the hardest to do thank you for this song

[@margecross5908]

What a wonderful story

[@theoatmanite]

This is so happy and sad

[@creatrixinc]

Beautiful. This has me in tears.

[@Aleydahhh]

amazing, since the first time i heard the song i loved it and after hearing the story i love it even more! in fact recently someone did something to hurt me and when I was ready to get revenge i remembered this, forgiveness. Eric hurt Rene way more than that person attempted to hurt me and she was able to forgive him. Now thats what i try to do forgive those who try to hurt me or act against me.

[@genevajuarez4379]

I feel that I need to do the same thing😭 all I feel is anger and revenge toward a person that did me wrong and all I wanted was for them to suffer as I have, and seeing how badly this person has been struggling to see me at work not talking or even looking at me, I've noticed that she cries at work when I'm not looking, or when she's putting stuff up back where it goes in the store and she says I'm like her daughter.. she lost her 19 yr old son a yr and a half ago and she says that God sent her me in replace of her son 😭& that God has a Divine appointment for her and I to meet and, I think I need to now let my anger go and listen to this song and pray and the next time I see her at work I'm just gonna embrace her and tell her I forgive her she can now forgive herself. I love her like a mom and I no longer want to see her suffer anymore😭 I really miss talking to her 😔

[@fabilizmediaservices6299]

this is one of my favorite songs and has inspired me so much

[@Issab777]

Beautiful amazing love of God

[@maryrus7493]

Thank you for sharing this video and sharing the story of forgiveness. God has forgiven all our sins, God has set us free. Glory be to God. Thank you very much Matthew west ( you are so talented ) and Rene for your testimonies. God bless you.

[@kandycandy1]

I forgive Benjamin James Wibben for taking the lives of my dear friends Darren and Heather Kaiser. may they rest in peace. I pray for their families to find it in their heart to do the same so they can also be free.

[@JohnCunningham1999]

god is all about forgivness i love this story its always stuck in my head everyday godbless

[@maximummax9851]

And Matthew west thank you and Denise if that’s your name thank you for the meaning of it

[@tinakocsis1]

Thank you for sharing such a powerful and liberating message. I am blown away. I have experienced that forgiveness in both ways, I've received it, and I've offered it. Both are miraculous, and set me free

[@mandyedwards6729]

I was physically sexually and emotionally abused as a child And carried that rage into my adult life until my mid forties !!. Looking back now Im not really surprised that I ended up with a spinal crush injury After that accident I was left crippled, in chronic pain and in a wheelchair ... During those dark years’ of rehabilitation I underwent seven surgeries and was forced to confront so much more than the injury. Quite by accident I discovered the song forgiveness and it opened a door... Into all that unspoken rage and the damage it had caused in my life. Ten years down line I’m walking again. Yes I still have pain and walk like a duck on stilts but I’m not sorry. No it’s there to remind me of where I came from and what can happen when we carry hate anger pain like a heavy back pack throughout our lives. A small price to pay for my freedom and a walk today that keeps me real... . No I’m not saying that everyone who is crippled by injury carries unresolved rage .. just my strange story ... but I am saying that each of us has a choice -to live free lives with joy and forgiveness or limited pain riddled lives with hurt and rage .... I had a life sentence and now I’m free ..... Forgiveness doesn’t mean we have to accept what has happened to us as ok - no it’s about letting go and letting God carry that hurt for you. It’s about recognising that each of us bear scars , even those who have hurt us, but that we have the power to break the destructive cycle. To be Free or Not To Be Free... that’s the only question we really need to ask ourselves....!

[@elisabethlindke184]

Wow! I just saw them at Kingdom Bound. Renee and Erik were both there. Incredible. He is free now :)

[@annamariatvpm2693]

There is no peace unless you forgive..

[@anthonybanuelos2726]

This is amazing and it touched my heart

[@jacqueshalljr]

This story BLEW me away tonight at Winter Jam - Atlanta. #Powerful

[@samariaanderson9551]

I WATCHED THIS IN SCHOOL! (GUIDANCE)

[@irhuman6781]

Way to many people in this world put themselves before anyone else. Even in grammar you are suppose to put " I " (yourself) last, but listen to the way most people speak these days... The average person puts " ME " themselves before anyone else. I have even heard parents say "ME and my kids" putting THEMSELVES before their OWN children. Sometimes it is the little things that make a difference... I challenge you to put yourself, LAST...

[@metasua4061]

I got tears in my eyes ;) so beautiful. Forgiveness is truly live changing and inspiring. God bless Eric

[@maximummax9851]

Before this song never heard it before and in 1993 my Uncle Tim was a block away from home

[@raewynurwin4256]

Amen.

[@debrarosenblum9055]

THAT'S OUR GOD!!!!!!!!

[@margecross5908]

It made me stop and think I have a lot of pent up anger towards 7 my family members That I have a hard time forgiving for one reason or another I tried to forgive I thought I have forgiven in time to creep back in I know in my heart that I have a totally forgiven them I know one day I will totally be able to forgive this person Maybe not for her but for me I will never be able to stand beside her like this woman was able to with this young man but if I could forgive her for me I will be ahead of myself thank you for the story and take the all of the family members for being able to be strong for him and for her It gave me a lot sync about thank you

[@catholicroger6800]

Marge I knew and heard from the man the went to the prison to forgive the man the murdered his daughter. He said until he did that he could not have peace. I have listened to this song so many times and I still cannot sing it due to breaking up with tears. I am a recovered alcoholic of 25 years and by the grace of God never killed anyone drinking and driving. I also do not have any resentments toward anyone. You forgive the one that hurt you and if you hurt them go to them and ask for forgiveness. Even if they choose not to forgive you that is beyond your part. Your part is to forgive. You may want to sit down and look at your part in all of this and write it down. Just you side of the street and not their's. And it is God that does the healing. We cannot do any of the things I have typed here without Jesus.

[@marimaenpaa]

Amazing song. Inspiring message. Awesome awesome story.

[@TheThemeParkEvangelist]

Wow, that was an incredible story

[@oliviagarza7882]

Amen

[@brendamilton5596]

Its beautiful

[@dessieuwu]

I had to forgive two people at age fifteen after having a severe stroke. They kinda stopped talking to me after all my medical problems, but I now think it may have been more an inability to know what to say considering what I was going through, and I don't think they ever meant to hurt me the way they did. It took me a long time, probably around a year and a half, and I went through severe depression and rejection, but I was able to forgive these two people even though they never even knew I was angry with them. I never spoke to them afterwards, nor do they know anything about the resentment I held towards them or myself, but I know in my heart I have forgiven them even though I am not longer in contact with them. I never received an apology or even got to express my feelings to them, but that just shows you don't need any of that to forgive someone. With God, you can overcome hatred towards anyone or anything, even if you never hear the words, "I'm sorry."

[@debrarosenblum9055]

AMEN!!!!!!!!

[@silvanajohana]

I attended one of the FL concerts :) Amazing! On min 2:33 Matthew West explains it

[@wingedinfinity6715]

💥💓✝️💓💥 WHOM THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED 💥💓💥

[@jasondenton5688]

Amen! This is really powerful!! To whom it may concern: Is it possible that I can get permission to buy the rights to share this in church??? If anyone can help me with this, or has any other LEGAL options, please let me know. Thanks! Be blessed and be a blessing!!

[@maximummax9851]

I heard it from work then I heard it the words I had stopped and froze

[@bonniestreets6009]

Matthew I have gone through concealing for what my ex brother-in-law did to me but I still have a hard time forgiving him

[@jasonholman1256]

My mother has 26 screws and 3 rods in her spine because of a drunk driver hit the ambulance she was being transported to the hospital in. It was the 2nd accident she was im that night. Dont ever forget that forgiveness is never about letting the other person off the hook. Its seperating yourself from something you no longer need to carry anymore. If you starve it it will die.

[@clarencehanes6080]

Awesome guys i love its

[@maximummax9851]

And when I heard about the crash I was crying 😭 then turned to bitterness and I didn’t forgive him i was saying no he’s not going to be forgiven not from me he broke my Uncle spine what he did was wrong

[@karalinegrace_]

❤❤❤

[@carolinendegwa1252]

Matthew west

[@lubiabarrientos4531]

ME GUSTARIA ESCUCHAR LA SEGUNDA PARTE EN ESPANOL BENDICIONES

[@rockg44]

This story is making me cry because I am suicidal because I was taken advantage of a friends dad tried getting me to hold his private part and I was young I didn't want to. I told it went to the prosecutor and I had to talk to him I told him what happened he charged him but then I blew the case because of how I handled it back then. I am 40 years old now and I blame myself because back then I laughed about it and that is the only way I new how to deal with it. So I just got out of the psych unit on November 10 for a suicide attempt from wrapping a cellphone cord around my neck and it left bruises and red marks and it was so tight the police officer had to cut the cord off of my neck.he said I must of had it on my neck for a long time.I can't forgive myself for it getting thrown out of court or him trying to get me to touch him.I was able to forgive my step father for having sex with me at age 17

[@christianawilliams9101]

Carrie Goatley Jesus is with you sweetheart. Please dont give up. I love you so much. John 3:16 for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son so that if you believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life!

[@rockg44]

1timothy4:12 glory to God! I have excepted the lord into my life a while ago but I don't live like I should be living.

[@tinakocsis1]

Praying for you, please pray for everyone that hurt you, even if all you can say is Lord, I'm confessing this is really hard, but I pray for them and I forgive them. After a while of making a sacrifice of prayer for them, your heart and mi d will slowly start to heal. It is hard I know, Gods Love and Grace is one of the most powerful things in the world I love you and I'm praying for you, and I believe you !!

[@carolinendegwa1252]

Matthew west forgiveness

[@FlitWang]

Oh! Matthew is left-handed and me too!! XD

[@maximummax9851]

It did me it was because of this I forgave a person that I didn’t even know

[@debrarosenblum9055]

😢😢😢AMEN😢😢😢

[@NancyAlmighty]

lots of tissues wow

[@maximummax9851]

It broke his spine he can never walk he is slowly dying cause of what that boy which is a man now did

[@maximummax9851]

It changed me

[@carolinendegwa1252]

Matthew west for

[@carolinendegwa1252]

Matthew west forg

[@maximummax9851]

It took me 20 years

[@m.d.sebold9187]

If God has forgiven, why do we allow our criminal justice system to hold it against us or keep it on record?!? 🤔

[@maryl9180]

Forgiveness doesn't remove the consequences of ungodly behaviors and it doesn't erase the damage caused by those behaviors. Forgiveness is the beginning of healing for the victim and hopefully remorse in the perpetrator. It isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card.

[@maximummax9851]

And I said I don’t who you are if you don’t know Forgiveness cause I’ve just forgiven you and the chains ⛓ and the weights fell off

[@zonyaskieya3693]

[@maximummax9851]

His name is Mark Miller didn’t even know his name cause I didn’t even know him

[@maximummax9851]

And a drunk 🥴 driver kid 🧒 ran a stop sign 🛑 he not only trashed his car

[@maximummax9851]

But it got heavier and heavier chains turned into weights

[@debrarosenblum9055]

WOW--- COME SEE ME!!!!!! I CAN GIVE YOU A SONG TO SING

[@maximummax9851]

He got away his parents helped him get away