Memory Verse: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you – Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Spiritual Emphasis: Struggling with forgiveness stems from pride, intense pain, a desire to revenge, a misunderstanding of what forgiveness entails, and fear of vulnerability. Its often difficult because it requires surrendering one’s will, confronting personal pride, and letting go of bitterness, which is contrary to human nature.
Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Why we struggle with forgiveness
- Pride and Selfishness: Two of Satan’s main character traits, are also two of the leading hindrance to forgiveness. Pride makes us feel superior to the offender or to feel that our personal rights have been violated, which makes forgiveness seem like a sign of weakness – Prov. 13:15; Prov. 16:18.
- The Depth of Pain and Memory: Personal, deep hurts bring about intense anger, bitterness, and resentment, which are difficult to overcome – Eph. 4:31
- Unresolved Anger Toward God: Sometimes, the struggle to forgive is rooted in blaming God for not intervening to prevent the pain – Ps. 22:1-2; Ps. 42:9-11; Eph. 4:26-27.
How to overcome struggling with forgiveness
- Decide: You will never forgive if you wait until you feel like it. Choose to obey God. Make a quality decision to forgive, and God will heal your wounded emotions in due time – Matt. 6:12-14
- Depend: Forgiveness is not something we can do on our own power. We need help. The Holy Spirit is our helper. If you are truly willing, God will enable us, but we must humble ourself and cry out to Him – John 14: 15-16; John 20:22-23.
- Obey: Obedient is the key. The Word tells us to: Pray for your enemies. Bless and do not curse them – Luke 6:27-28; Rom. 12:14
Questions: 1. Who should we forgive? 2. Who are you helping most when you forgive the person who hurt you?
Conclusion: The Bible teaches that overcoming unforgiveness involves choosing to forgive others just as God forgave you through Christ. It requires letting go of bitterness and anger, relying on the Holy Spirit’s power to release the offender to God’s justice, and focusing on your own need for grace
Shalom!
Self-Study: Matt. 18:15-20; John 3:16; Col. 3:13; Rom. 12:19; Eph.4:31-32; Matt. 6:14-15; 1 John 1:9; Ps. 103:12.
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