Breaking the Cycle: Justice, Mercy, and the Mission of the Church | Shawn Williams & Fabian Garza

Many people believe forgiveness must lead to reconciliation, but those who hurt us can’t always heal us. Colossians 3:12–14 urges us to forgive as the Lord forgave us, making forgiveness a necessary path to healing—not optional. Forgiveness is an ongoing act of obedience that sets us free, while reconciliation requires both parties to rebuild trust and repair the relationship. Scripture shows this distinction: Esau forgave Jacob but did not reconcile closely, while Joseph fully restored his relationship with his brothers. Megan Marshman walks through the stages of forgiveness, how to discern when to seek reconciliation, and the difference between the two.

Forgiving small offenses like being cut off in traffic or a missed birthday can be tough, but what happens when the offense is much bigger? This weekend, we welcome Chris Baker, a tattoo artist from Oswego, Illinois, who founded INK 180, a nonprofit offering free tattoo work to former gang members and victims of human trafficking as a second chance. Chris grew up around gangs in Los Angeles and experienced deep loss, including holding his best friend as he died from a shooting. Years later, God brought Chris back to Los Angeles with an incredible opportunity to walk the path of true forgiveness. His story will show us just how powerful and supernatural forgiveness can be.

Emotional wounds are like paper cuts—easy to ignore until something triggers the pain, revealing hurt that still lingers. We often believe time or distance will heal us, but true healing comes only through forgiveness. The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21–35 shows how withholding forgiveness traps us in bitterness, while Ephesians 4:31–32 calls us to forgive as God has forgiven us. Forgiveness isn’t about what others deserve but about living in the freedom we’ve received. In this message, we reflect on how forgiveness doesn’t erase the hurt, but it releases its hold, making space for healing, peace, and freedom.

In this message, Pastor Shawn Williams invites us to lean into Joshua’s bold declaration: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” It’s a call to remember God’s faithfulness and make a fresh, wholehearted commitment—whether you’re just starting out in faith or have followed Jesus for decades. As a church, we’re stepping into the future with confidence, ready to raise up the next generation of leaders who will live with courage, purpose, and bold belief. Now is our moment to say together: we will serve the Lord!

In ancient Israel, cities of refuge reflected God’s heart for justice and mercy—places of safety, restoration, and a second chance. Today, the church is called to embody that same spirit, creating spaces where grace meets brokenness and hope takes root. As we step into a new season, Willow is boldly committed to being a refuge of radical compassion, offering holistic care and spiritual support that breaks cycles of hardship and restores lives across Chicagoland. This is our calling—and our moment to live it out.

Joshua’s bold “sun, stand still” prayer wasn’t rooted in perfect understanding, but in a life shaped by God’s presence and steady spiritual formation. Even in the face of fear and uncertainty, he trusted that God could do the impossible—and God did. That’s the kind of faith we’re called to today: one that grows through daily trust, deep surrender, and ongoing transformation. As we step into a new season, Willow is committed to becoming a church marked by bold faith and lives deeply rooted in God’s presence.

Pastor Shawn Williams reminds us that the fall of Jericho wasn’t won by might, but by surrender and obedience to God. The victory was already declared—God simply called His people to walk in faith and trust Him to bring it to pass. Today, we face walls of doubt, fear, and resistance, but like Jericho, they can fall when we move forward in faith. As a church, we’re stepping into God’s mission with a bold vision and surrendered hearts, ready to see lives transformed and the future shaped by His power!

As we celebrate 50 years of God’s unwavering faithfulness at Willow, Pastor Shawn Williams invites us to reflect on all God has done and boldly trust Him for what’s ahead. Just like Joshua, we step into new beginnings with our eyes fixed firmly on God’s limitless power, not our own. The same God who parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River is leading us today, filling us with confidence that His faithfulness then guarantees His faithfulness now—because the God who has done it before will do it again!

Rahab risked everything to follow God, trading fear for faith and choosing obedience over comfort. Her yes to God not only saved her family but wove her into the very lineage of Jesus—a once-outcast turned legacy-maker. Like Rahab, we don’t have to see the full picture to say yes; we simply have to trust the One who calls us. This message invites us to take that same bold step of faith, knowing God can turn our obedience into something far greater than we could ever imagine!

God’s promise to give His people the Promised Land began with Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and was echoed generations later through Joshua, who stood at the edge of that promise with courage and faith. Though the wilderness delayed its fulfillment, it was never wasted—it was a season of preparation. Now, like Joshua, we stand at the threshold of a new season, trusting the same faithful God to lead us forward. In this message, Megan Marshman invites us into that journey, reminding us that God is still writing our story—both personally and as a church.