Forgiveness Foundations
Matthew 5:43-47 “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, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Here is what Jesus is saying:
- Don’t do the bare minimum like other people do
- Be better than the norm around you
It is hard to show kindness to difficult people if you cannot – Forgive
C.S. Lewis – Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
If we don’t forgive that person who hurts or annoys us our soul fills with
- Resentment
- Bitterness
- Anger
Forgiveness Definition – Is a decision made on the inside to refuse to live in the hurt of the past
We forgive, because Jesus first forgave us
Three levels to forgiveness
- Recognize our offender is fallen and deceived by the devil
- Surrender the right to get even
Romans 12:17-19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
- Revise our feelings for that person
If you call yourself a Christian
- Forgiveness is mandatory
- We forgive because Jesus forgave us
- Our forgiveness must be freely, completely, gracious and totally
