Verse 1
I've done everything
To make You turn away
I'm indebted to Your goodness
I don't deserve Your love
You took everything
And You threw it all away
I know this is forgiveness
This is the story of
Chorus
How my sins are sinking in the sea
Never to rise again
That's what You've done for me
Oh what a friend
My God You never left
Father and friend who forgives and forgets
Verse 2
I came brokenhearted
The shame of my mistakes
But You showed me Your compassion
You're worthy of my trust
Every condemnation
That tried to change my name
There's a reason I don't answer
Tell them the story of
Chorus
How my sins are sinking in the sea
Never to rise again
That's what You've done for me
Oh what a friend
My God You never left
Father and friend who forgives and forgets
Bridge 1
The story that You wrote
And the story that I know
Are not the same
God You righted every wrong
Mercy is my only song
I give You praise
Chorus
Be cause my sins are sinking in the sea
Never to rise again
That's what You've done for me
Oh what a friend
My God You never left
Father and friend who forgives and forgets
Bridge 2
Way in over my head
With debt I couldn't pay
But You forgot about it
Yes You forgot about it
Mercy's new every morning
Why stay in yesterday
When You forgot about it
Yes You forgot about it
Refrain
You forgot about it
You forgot about it
You forgot about it
Yes you forgot about it
Bridge 2
Way in over my head
With debt I couldn't pay
But You forgot about it
Yes You forgot about it
Mercy's new every morning
Why stay in yesterday
When You forgot about it
Yes You forgot about it
Chorus
Sinking in the sea
Never to rise again
That's what You've done for me
Oh what a friend
My God You never left
Father and friend who forgives and forgets
Forgive and Forget (feat. Roosevelt Stewart and Lizzie Morgan) | Red Worship
Forgive and Forget Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "Forgive and Forget" by Red Worship, featuring Roosevelt Stewart and Lizzie Morgan, released on October 13, 2023, delves into the profound experience of receiving divine forgiveness. The lyrics open with a raw confession of unworthiness, acknowledging actions that could cause estrangement from a higher power. Despite this, the song immediately contrasts the singer's shortcomings with an overwhelming sense of being indebted to an undeserved goodness and love. This sets the stage for the central theme: the nature of forgiveness that not only pardons but actively removes the burden of past wrongs.
The core message is powerfully articulated in the chorus, describing sins as "sinking in the sea, never to rise again." This vivid metaphor, resonant with biblical imagery, illustrates a complete and final removal of sin. The lyrics emphasize that this act of forgiveness transforms the relationship, describing the divine as an unwavering "Father and friend." The unique aspect highlighted is the concept that this forgiveness is so complete, it's as if the past errors are truly forgotten by the forgiver, offering a deep sense of relief and freedom to the one who receives it.
Verse two explores the state of coming to this divine presence "brokenhearted" and burdened by the "shame of mistakes." The response received is not condemnation but "compassion," establishing trustworthiness. The song rejects external labels or "condemnation" based on past actions, asserting that these no longer define the individual because of the transformative forgiveness received. The repeated invitation is to tell the story of this radical act of grace.
The bridge introduces a contrast between the individual's past narrative and the "story that You wrote," implying a divine plan of redemption that corrects past wrongs. Mercy becomes the defining characteristic and the sole reason for praise. The idea of being "way in over my head with debt I couldn't pay" in the second bridge further illustrates the human condition needing salvation, met by the divine act of forgetting that debt entirely. This reinforces the theme of a forgiveness so complete it negates the claim of past failures.
The powerful refrain, repeating "You forgot about it," serves to underscore the depth and completeness of this forgiveness. It's a declaration of liberation from the weight of guilt and shame. The reminder that "Mercy's new every morning" encourages living in the present reality of forgiveness rather than dwelling on past mistakes. Overall, the song is a worshipful expression of gratitude for a boundless, compassionate, and restorative forgiveness that feels like being completely wiped clean, allowing a new identity rooted in grace.