Is Forgiveness Optional?: Episode 910

Is Forgiveness Optional?: Episode 910

Author: Focus on the Family July 10, 2025 Duration: 55:33

Forgiveness according to Jesus, plus more tips on how to read a room, and if your boyfriend doesn’t budget, is that a red flag?    

Featured musical artist:  Aaron Shust

Roundtable: What Forgiveness Is and Isn’t

July 7th is National Forgiveness Day, so we’re having a hopeful and practical conversation on how to walk in forgiveness as a Christian. Usually it’s a process, not just a one-time decision, but is there a “right” way to view the act of forgiving? What does the Bible say about it? We talk about how we’ve forgiven those who’ve hurt us, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and why forgiveness matters in the first place.     

Forgive for Real: Six Steps to Forgiving    

Watch This Segment on YouTube

Link to Counseling Services 

Send Us Your Show Ideas

Leave Us a Voicemail

Culture: How to Read a Room (Part 2) 

Have you ever gotten an incorrect read on what’s going on in a meeting, friend group or social situation? Most of us have. Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, emotional intelligence and discernment are relational muscles to develop. Our friend Dr. Mike Bechtle is an expert in career and professional development. His tips for how to read a room, assess a situation and win in social and business environments will save you years of trial and error. In part two of our interview, Mike outlines practical steps for how to communicate appropriately both verbally and in emails, texts, on social media and more.  

How to Read a Room: Navigate Any Situation, Lead with Confidence, and Create an Impact at Work   

Inbox: My Boyfriend Doesn’t Budget

Her boyfriend doesn’t have a budget, but is this a valid reason to end the relationship? A counselor weighs in. 

Find us on YouTube 

Link to Counseling Services 


Navigating your twenties and thirties as a person of faith brings a unique set of questions and crossroads. The Boundless Show, from Focus on the Family, steps into that space with genuine dialogue. Host Lisa Anderson guides conversations that feel like a thoughtful chat with friends who get it-tackling the real tensions between career and calling, the desire for meaningful relationships, and the journey of cultivating a personal faith that stands firm in modern culture. This isn't about easy answers, but about exploring how to live with purpose and integrity when society offers countless other paths. Each episode delves into the practical and spiritual aspects of life, from dating intentionally and preparing for marriage to building community and finding your place in the world. The young adult years are formative, and this podcast provides a grounded, Christian perspective on the choices that define them. Tune in for honest stories, relatable struggles, and encouragement that honors the complexities of building a life rooted in something lasting. It's a resource for anyone seeking a thoughtful, faith-based companion through the boundless possibilities of adulthood.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Boundless Show
Podcast Episodes
Fun With Annie F. Downs: Episode 899 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:24
When people transition out of your life, plus Annie F. Downs on being single and not-so-serious, and how to set boundaries with your parents. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: When People Leave Your best…
Your Life Tells a Story: Episode 898 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:31
Our favorite Easter takeaways and traditions, plus crafting your testimony to share, and keeping up with a Gen Zer who wants to do it all. Featured musical artist: John Waller Roundtable: The Impact of Easter We share ou…
Gender Roles in Dating: Episode 897 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
Roles and rhythms while dating, plus strategies to combat loneliness, and when he feels attraction in a relationship but she doesn’t. Featured musical artist: Tauren Wells Roundtable: Who Does What When Dating? A listene…
Relationship Seasons: Episode 896 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:55
Obeying God’s commands about sex (part two), plus Ben Stuart on breakups, engagement and marriage, and how do you prepare to be a stay-at-home mom? Featured musical artist: Zach Williams Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset…
Is Every Christian Single Having Sex?: Episode 895 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:57
Obeying God’s commands about sex, plus Ben Stuart on battling adversity and temptation, and how to maximize your final year of college. Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset (Part 1)…
Strategies for Saving: Episode 894 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:08
How we budget and save for stuff, plus what to do when you feel behind in life, and conversations with someone who has doubts about God. Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Are You Living Paycheck to Paycheck? A…
Overcoming Trauma: Episode 893 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
Make your Bible reading more meaningful, plus identifying and addressing trauma in your life, and what did Paul mean by his “thorn in the flesh”? Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham Roundtable: Beyond Bible 101 You gre…
Give This Up for Lent: Episode 892 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:24
A challenge to ditch your screens, plus a conversation on sexuality and the church, and when your friend says she’s bisexual and a Christian. Featured musical artist: Je’kob Roundtable: Join Our Screen Fast In anticipati…
Wedding Planning Hacks: Episode 891 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
Plan your wedding like a boss, plus Ellen Dykas on navigating lifelong singleness, and how to see God at work in a culture of negativity. Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech Roundtable: How to Plan a Wedding Wedding…
Gen Z and Dating Apps: Episode 890 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:01
Overcommitment on church activities, plus Suzanne Gosselin on Gen Z’s apathy toward dating apps, and what if your date has mental health issues? Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado Roundtable: Church Involvement Overl…