Chicago Fire is a TV drama that follows the lives of the firefighters and paramedics working at the Chicago Fire Department firehouse 51. During one episode, the fireman Joe Cruz is tormented by a secret. In an effort to save his kid brother who is caught up in a gang, Cruz discovers Flako, the gang leader, trapped in a blazing building. Cruz lets Flako die in the flames.

Cruz's inner turmoil starts to affect his job, putting his fellow firefighters at risk. Eventually, he tells his supervisor, Lieutenant Casey, about allowing Flako die. Casey tells Cruz he has two choices: live with his sin or turn in his badge. Consumed with guilt, Cruz walks to a local church for a midday service where hears the pastor reading a Bible passage on repentance. Tears well up in Cruz's eyes and he leaves the church knowing what he must do.

As Cruz returns to the firehouse to turn in his badge, he runs into Mouch, another firefighter who nearly died due to Cruz's carelessness. Cruz breaks down and tells Mouch the whole story. Through tears Cruz says, "I almost killed you all because I am weak. But now I know I'm the one who has to suffer, not you."

But Mouch won't accept his plan to resign from the firehouse. Getting in Cruz's face, Mouch says, "Joe, I forgive you!" Cruz won't accept the forgiveness and says, "It's not right for me to bring my sins into this house and have my brothers sacrificed for what I did." But Mouch won't give up: "Joe, listen to me. I forgive you!" Finally, Cruz's face shows that the burden of his guilt is starting to lift.

Then Mouch tracks down Lieutenant Casey just as he's about to turn in Cruz's badge to the fire captain. When Mouch explains the conversation with Cruz, Casey agrees that Cruz should get his badge back. In the end, Cruz's job is spared.

Editor's Note: The scene begins at 31:50 and ends at 33:53

Possible Preaching Angles: (1) Sin, confession of—This scene burden of carrying unresolved guilt and the freedom that comes when we confess our sin to the Lord first but also to others. (2) Community; Small Groups—It also shows the power of a safe community where we can be real with others. (3) Christ, forgiveness of—Of course Mouch couldn't forgive Cruz for all of his sins, or even Cruz's sin of allowing Flako to die. Only Christ can forgive all of our sins.