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.
The Cost of Forgiveness
Dignity to admit our sins – We are helpless before God without Christ’s redemption. We like to believe we can pay our own way to redemption. It is humbly to come before God, desperate for His grace – Prov. 11:2; Prov. 15:33; Prov. 18:12; 2 Chron. 7:14; Luke 14:11; Phil. 2:3-4.
Our sense of justice – When God promises forgiveness, it also means His redemptive power and mercy is available to people who have done horrible things. That means forgiveness is possible for murderers, child abusers, terrorist, just to mention a few, who we think by human standard deserves justice. On a personal note, it means we can extend by God’s grace forgiveness to those who may have deeply offended or hurts us – Luke 18:8; Ps. 37:28; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 61:8; Psalm 106:3; Rom. 12:19-20; Zechariah 7:9-10; Eccl. 3:17; Luke 23:39-43.
Questions/Activities: When we embrace forgiveness, does it mean we ignore our cry for justice?
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.
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