TVLand Families - Forgiveness

6/1/08 AM
Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church

There are many ways to keep from having conflict but the reality is we will have conflict in our families, and people are going to get hurt.

Colosians 3:13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. CEV  - 

The Greek word in this passage for forgive is the same word we get GRACE from.  To forgive is to give GRACE.

If there is one over riding action that reflects the character of God’s LOVE it is the act of extending grace – forgiveness.

Forgiving is about letting the character of God spill out of you onto the world in which you live. 

When it comes to people who have hurt us we’d rather learn about punishment than forgiveness. 

A Grudge…

We have interesting language for grudges, the same language we use for our babies…

We hold a grudge,

We carry a grudge,

We bear a grudge,

We even nurse a grudge. 

In other words we do things that will keep it alive and even help it grow.

We embrace the forgiveness of God but we are reluctant to offer forgiveness or seek it in our relationships with others. 

Mat 6:12  Lord’s prayer forgive us as we forgive  others… 

Matthew 6:14–15, 18:34-35 - Mark 11:24-25

Luke 6:37 -38, 17: 5 - Ephesians 4:31-3 2

Bitterness damages our relationship with God and blocks our experience of His forgiveness.

Forgiving is not forgetting.

Hebrews. 10:17.  His promise is that He will never use our past against us. 

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Ps 103:10  

We may not be able to forget our past, but we can dethrone the memory

When it comes to forgiveness we have several reactions:

1.  “I Won’t.” Matthew 18:23–35

There is hope for those of us who have said “I won’t.” Repentance.  It’s a sin!

2.  “I Can’t.”  Phil 4:13  “I can do all things!”

If God commands it he will give us the ability to obey!

3.  “I Don’t Want To.”  Mark 10:21-22

This may be the most honest response

4.  “I’m Willing.”  Luke 17:5 Help us with our unbelief…

Psalm 51: 12, 17

All He asks is that you be willing to forgive.

The only safe place for unforgiveness or grudges is at the Foot Of The Cross. 

It is there I remember my need for forgiveness and the command to forgive others…

Colossians 3:1 & 3 you have been raised with Christ your life is hidden in Christ...

Forgiveness is and has always been HIS POWER AT WORK IN AND THROUGH US!  Bring your unforgiveness to the cross.