Matthew
18:21-35
Peter faces a dilemma.
His spirit is telling him one thing but his emotions are saying
something totally different. His
question to Jesus results in a lesson that none of us can forget if we desire
to know the freedom of forgiveness in our own lives.
I. The Example of Forgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
v.21 - A
forgiveness of law - What is the least I can do and still be right
with God?
v.22 - A forgiveness of grace -
What is the response of God through me to others who have wronged me?
Forgiveness is not a relinquishing of
control to another. It is a power exercised toward another person
or yourself.
II. The Dimensions of Forgiveness (Like facets on a diamond)
- Forgiveness NEEDED
- Forgiveness RECEIVED
Not to forgive ourselves is to allow
Satan to bind us with “shame.”
- Forgiveness GRANTED
We NEED to forgive as much or
more than we NEED to be forgiven.
When we deny our hate we
detour around the crisis of forgiveness.
It is not the more wrong you can recount
that makes you the bigger person but the more you can forgive.
- Forgiveness REPEATED
Anger mishandled can lead to renewed
bitterness.
Maintaining unhealthy
relationships creates and continues sick systems.
Some relationships can seemingly only
be restored after they are destroyed.
“Forgiveness is letting go of the past.
Trust has to do with future behavior.” Rick Warren
III. The Power of Forgiveness
- Receiving forgiveness helps us identify with the sinner more
than the saint.
- Forgiveness keeps our past from entering our present
and destroying our future.
- Forgiveness can change our spirit to be more like God.
