Memory Verse: … ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
Text: Matthew 18:21-35.
Spiritual Emphasis: You could read the Bible from cover to cover and conclude that it is all about forgiveness and love. Forgiveness is a gift and a choice for the hurting and is independent of the person who caused the pain. Forgiveness is in layers. There is the forgiveness we must receive from God because of our sins. The Bible also shows us that tied directly to the forgiveness we receive from God for our sins is our willingness to forgive each other. Forgiveness is essential if we are to grow as Christians.
What Does the Bible Say about Forgiveness?
Lack of forgiveness breaks our fellowship with God – The Bible is very clear that harboring bitterness in our heart is sin. If we are not actively seeking to forgive, and break the hold of sin in our lives, it will break our fellowship with God. When this happens, we won’t experience everything God has to offer us – Matthew 5:23-24; Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:26; Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15; Romans 12:2; Leviticus 19:18.
We owe others forgiveness even when they don’t ask for it – How often do we hold it against someone when they haven’t apologized? When we are wrong, we expect someone to come to us and say, “I am sorry.” No doubt, this is the right thing to do. But the Bible doesn’t however place this requirement on forgiveness. God commands us to be the initiators in this process of forgiveness. We are encouraged to go to our brother or sister and talk it out. It is not an easy thing to do, but it is critical in being able to move forward – Matthew 18:15; Luke 6:37; James 5:16; Matthew 6:15.
Questions/Activities: Does forgiving mean you cannot talk about “the problems?” Why or why not?
Conclusion
The goal of forgiveness is not to make the forgiver (God) feel better, but to restore relationship. We forgive because by God’s grace, we were forgiven. We love, because Jesus loved us first and we want to live free from any chains. Jesus set the ultimate example of love, sacrifice and forgiveness. Through following Him, we really know the Truth and the Truth really sets us free.
Shalom!
Self-Study: Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 17:9; Genesis 50:19-21; Mark 11:25; Luke 17:3-4; Colossians 3:12-13; Rom. 3:19-23; Prov. 17:9,14.
Leave a Reply