Forgiveness

WNBS Recap
May 16, 2007

As Christian we claim to be forgiven, yet, at the same time, we often find it difficult to live with an attitude of forgiveness. When we are offended and our pride is hurt our first thoughts typically do not tend toward forgiveness.

But, an attitude of forgiveness is essential in Christians. It is the evidence to the world that what we say about Jesus and His forgiveness is true. As long as Christians continue to be unforgiving and hold grudges and bitterness in their hearts, the world has no reason to listen to what we have to say about the power of God's forgiveness through Christ. That is why we forgive. So, why Bother Forgiving? Because forgiveness:

1. is an example and encouragement to others to forgive. (2 Corinthians 2:5-10)
2. illustrates that we are forgiven. (Ephesians 4:32)
3. sets you free from past hurts. (Genesis 41:51; Matthew 18:21-22)

This last reason for forgiving takes us to the well known phrase "forgive and forget." Forgiving and forgetting is important, but how do we do it?

First, forgiving without forgetting in not really forgiving. Second, forgiving and forgetting does not mean that you will never remeber the wrong that has been done to you. Forgiving and forgetting means that you refuse to live in an attitude of bitterness or revenge toward that person for what they did to you. It also means that you will not count that offense against them at a later date. Forgiving and forgetting means that when the anger of that situation begins to grow in your heart and mind, you surrender it again and again to Jesus.

Your forgiveness of another person is more about your right relationship to God than it is about your right relationship to that person. Unforgiveness is a sinful attitude that will hinder your relationship with God and will branch off into several destructive attiudes.

If pride is the root of unforgiveness, and unforgiveness is the trunk of the tree, then Ephesians 4:31 shows 6 ways unforgiveness branches out to negatively impact our lives:

Anger
Wrath
Bitterness
Slander (saying something against someone)
Complaining
Malice (slander with a purpose to injure)

This video is an example of what can happen when unforgiveness roots itself in pride and branches out into anger, wrath, bitterness, slander, complaining, and malice. See if you can pick out those 6 characteristics in what athiest Christopher Hitchens has to say about a great man of God, Jerry Fallwell.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfw7hUEujUw

That is the danger of allowing unforgiveness to go unchecked. It's not enough to cut off the individual branches of anger, wrath, bitterness, slander/gossip, complaining and malice from your life, because the root problem still remains: unforgiveness growing out of pride.

We have been given a specific task: "As far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." (Romans 12:18) This starts with having a heart of forgiveness. Cut out the root of pride growing into unforgiveness, knowing the danger that lies ahead if you allow that attitude of unforgiveness to grow.

Who do you need to forgive? Confess your heart of unforgiveness and ask the Spirit to replace it with a heart of a peacemaker. Confess your heart of pride and ask the Spirit to instead give you a heart of humility.

Then, the world can see what true forgiveness is!