Scripture References:

• Matthew 18:21-35
• Romans 6:23
• Hebrews 12:5-6, 15
• Matthew 5:43-48

Intro:

Welcome to today's sermon. We're continuing our series on forgiveness, moving beyond the "what" to explore the crucial question of "why." Forgiveness is not optional for followers of Jesus; it's a sacred duty. We've all been hurt and have hurt others, making forgiveness essential to avoid drowning in pain, regret, and bitterness. Last week, we defined forgiveness. If you missed that, please grab a copy of the sermon on the back table or listen online.

Key Points:

• The Necessity of Forgiveness: Everyone has experienced pain and inflicted it. Forgiveness is crucial to avoid being overwhelmed by negative emotions.
• Defining True Forgiveness:
  • It's releasing something held closely.
  • It's choosing to keep no record of wrongs.
  • It's refusing to punish.
  • It's being merciful.
  • It comes from the heart.
  • It's the absence of bitterness.
  • It's an ongoing process.
• The Messiness of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is not an "art" like some might suggest. It's often messy, painful, and more like a war than a refined process.
• Joseph's Example: The story of Joseph illustrates the profound suffering and injustice that can necessitate forgiveness (betrayal, false accusation, imprisonment).
• Three Reasons to Forgive:
  • Because He Said To: Jesus commanded it. We are disciples, called to obey His teachings. 
    • Discipleship is essential. We're called to obey what Jesus taught, not just know it.
    • Jesus's commands on forgiveness are radical (forgiving seventy-seven times, loving enemies).
  • Because We Have Been Forgiven:
    • Matthew 18:21-35 (The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant) emphasizes that we must remember our own sin and God's forgiveness when struggling to forgive others.
    • Sin is a debt, and Jesus canceled our debt on the cross.
    • The yardstick for moral comparison is God, not the person who hurt us.
    • We must pray, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner."
  • Because If We Do Not Forgive, We Will Be Turned Over to the Consequences of Our Unforgiveness:
    • Unforgiveness leads to bondage and torment (emotional, physical, etc.).
    • God, in His love, allows us to experience these consequences to lead us to repentance and forgiveness.
    • God's love is like fire—warm and inviting but also consuming and purifying.
    • God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12).
    • Forgiveness brings freedom and deliverance.

Conclusion:

It is foolish not to forgive. Unforgiveness is not an option for a disciple of Jesus. Jesus died to make a way for our forgiveness and our ability to forgive others.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on the reasons to forgive.
• Consider if you are truly living as a disciple of Jesus.
• Remember your own need for forgiveness when struggling to forgive.
• Acknowledge the consequences of unforgiveness in your life.
• Choose to forgive from your heart.
• If you are experiencing torment due to unforgiveness, come forward for prayer.
• Receive communion as a reminder of Jesus's forgiveness.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth and liberate you from bondage.

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