Matthew 18:21-35
How To Forgive People Who Hurt You
Introductory thoughts…
- We have sinned far more grievously against God than anybody could ever sin against us.
- Because of this, we should never outgrow the wonder of forgiveness
1. Focus on the part you can control, v. 21
2. Put yourself in a bigger context, v.23
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
-Colossians 1:13-14
3. Remember who you are in the story, v. 23
4. You have to release them as well, v. 27
5. Understand that your experience becomes the standard, v. 32-34
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
-Ephesians 1:7-10
Under used words about forgiveness…
lavished- to exceed a fixed number
all wisdom- knows what you did
insight- knows why you did it
making known to us the mystery of his will- not only does he forgive you but he involves you in his plan for the world.
6. It has to come from the heart, v. 35
Mental worship…
- Which gets more of your energy; trying to figure out why people did what they did or forgiving them for what they did?
- Is there anybody you have forgiven but haven’t released?
- How does the reality of the Kingdom of God inform and affect the way you forgive people?
- What is the hardest part of forgiving someone?
- When you choose not to forgive, what is motivating that choice?