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Forgiveness
We sometimes never know how our behavior will influence
others. Jesus taught (Matt. 5:13-16, 5:38-48) we are salt and light and
do good to those that harm you and pray for your enemies.
I wonder how many of those present were actively listening to Jesus
as he was preaching. How many were passing notes or thinking about
the weekend, too busy being mad because Peter asked them to take off
their hat or maybe they were just playing mind games to keep themselves
entertained. You act shocked. Don’t tell me you’ve never done that
when Pastor Doug or myself were preaching. Hey, Jesus preached for a
long time! I wonder if Bartholomew was listening – The Bible
doesn’t record anything great that he did…
“Forgiving means that we actively CHOOSE
to give up our grudge despite the severity of the injustice
done to us.”
But obviously Stephen listened. Stephen heard Jesus say to forgive
your enemies. Stephen did that as he was stoned (Luke 23:34) and Saul
was watching. I wonder how watching Stephen forgive influenced Saul –
later to be known as Paul – you know the guy who wrote 2/3 of the New
Testament. This same Saul later would receive the mystery that was
hidden that gentiles could be saved – that Christ was in us – the
hope of glory. I wonder what kind of Paul we would have gotten if
little things hadn’t gone the way they did. If Stephen hadn’t openly
forgiven those stoning him – if he’d just forgiven them in his heart
where no one could hear him. If Barnabas had not gone and gotten Paul
after he had been saved. If …
Why did this same Paul – through the Holy Spirit – tell us not to
conform to the world and to renew our minds (Rom 12:1-2)
– Because Christ is IN us!
Rom. 8
Law of Life vs. Law of Death (think about the law of
gravity vs. law of lift – think about the difference between a
paper airplane as opposed to wad of paper)
What do we do about sin in our lives?
1 John 1:6-10
Do NOT deny it. Everybody sins – this should not come as
any surprise.
Our relationship with God is secure because, through Christ,
we are forgiven and accepted by God. However, our sense of
intimacy, fellowship, and communication with Him can be
hindered by sin.
- What does it mean to "confess" sin? How should we confess?
- Agree with God that you have sinned.
It helps to name the sin specifically.)
- Thank God that He has already forgiven you.
(Tell Him," I receive your forgiveness.")
- Ask God if there is someone you need
to talk to for help, advice, etc.? Is there
someone you need to ask forgiveness?
(Repentance - Proverbs 28:13)
- What are some ways that we deceive ourselves concerning sin?
- Rationalize
- Compare with others
- Ignore it (denial)
Remember the story of the master forgiving the servant of
his debt and then that servant not forgiving a fellow servant
of his debt.
Forgiving means that we actively CHOOSE to
give up our grudge despite the severity of the injustice done
to us. (Ephesians 4:32)
Healing process in forgiving others:
- Admit hurt, anger, and any other
emotion to God.
- Ask for God's perspective on yourself, the other
person(s), and the situation (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Confess to God any sin of resentment, bitterness,
self-pity, etc.
- Forgive the person. "Because of God's forgiveness,
I forgive you, (name the person)."
- Ask for God to heal you emotionally.
- Pray for the person regularly (Matthew 5:43-44).
- Ask God if you need to go and share with
the person involved.
(Some content adapted and revised by permission from Jeanne
Mayo and The Source.)
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