We know we should forgive, but find it hard when
we were wronged--what they said, how they treated us, choices they made, they hurt
us, robbed us of life we cannot take back. What is forgiveness and how do we
live it out?
Matthew 5:23-24: 23 Therefore, if
you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or
sister has something against you,24 leave your gift
there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and
offer your gift.
Matthew 5:38-44: 38 “You have heard
that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But
I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right
cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you
and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If
anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give
to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow
from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said,
‘Love your neighbor… and hate your enemy.’ 44 But
I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Bible says forgive--we know
we're supposed to. But what does forgiveness look like? How do we forgive? What
if we were wronged? Unforgiveness turns
to resentment, resentment to anger, anger to hate--heart hardens. We hang on to
unforgiveness. Unforgiveness affects--relationships
with people, relationship with God, future, anger problem, impacts health,
marriage, work, focus.
(What forgiveness is and is not from Pastor Mark
Driscoll)
FORGIVENESS IS
NOT:
1. Forgiveness is
not approving or diminishing sin. It’s not saying, “It’s okay. Nobody’s perfect,"
“It’s not a really big deal.” It is a big deal!
2. Forgiveness is
not enabling sin
3. Forgiveness is
not denying a wrong doing. “It didn’t happen. I forgot all about
it. I just moved on. I didn’t let it affect me.”
4. Forgiveness is
not waiting for an apology
5. Forgiveness is
not forgetting. Great Christian myths. “Well, we forgive
and forget.” You can’t forgive and forget. You can’t. You were raped, molested, abandoned, beaten, abused, cheated on, betrayed, lied about.
6. Forgiveness is
not ceasing to feel the pain
7. Forgiveness is
not a one-time event
8. Forgiveness is not
neglecting justice
9. Forgiveness is
not trusting
10. Forgiveness is
not reconciliation
Forgiveness Is
1. Forgiveness is cancelling
a debt owed to you.
2. Forgiveness is removing the control the offender has over you.
3. Forgiveness is giving a
gift to yourself and to your offender.
4. Forgiveness is forsaking revenge
5. Forgiveness is leaving ultimate justice in God’s hands.
6. Forgiveness is an ongoing process
7. Forgiveness is wanting good for your offender
Why should we forgive? Because unforgiveness robs us: Life, Joy, Freedom,
Peace, Relationship with others, Relationship with God.
How to Forgive
1. Choose to forgive
2. Trust that God will use your bad situation for His glory
2. Trust that God will use your bad situation for His glory
3. Surrender your life to Jesus
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