Gtcotr/ss060726
Let it go! Just let it go. As a decision of your mind and by an act of your will … let it go. That’s what Jesus said to one of His disciples during the last few days of His earthly life and ministry.
Whatever you have been holding on to and rehearsing in your mind against the family member or close friend (brother or sister) who hurt you, or the mistake you made, or the opportunity you missed … let it go, let it all go.
There is no future without forgiveness, You have no future without forgiveness.
When we let go of resentment, it eases emotional burdens, promotes healing, and helps us move forward with greater peace. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing behavior, but it does keep us from being trapped in the past.
Unforgiveness can withhold blessings from God in our lives. In fact, there is sufficient evidence in the Bible to make me believe that unforgiveness will also erode the blessings we have already received.
Jesus gives us a glimpse into how the Kingdom of Heaven operates and reveals the truth about the power of forgiveness in Matthew 18. In this passage Simon Peter, a commercial fisherman by trade with a straight-forward approach to life, asked Jesus a direct question.
Matthew 18
21 ¶ Then Peter came to Jesus and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
In the original language, the definition for the Greek word translated “forgive” in this verse means “let it go” … “leave it behind” … “drop it!”
What Simon Peter is asking Jesus is simple: If my brother (family & close friends) offends me, hurts me, does me wrong, how many times do I let it go before I refuse to forgive?
Jesus’ hope was to reveal the Father to us and encourage us to be more like Him.
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 “And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
25 “But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.
26 “The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’
27 “Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’
29 “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’
30 “And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
31 “So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.
32 “Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
33 ‘Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’
34 “And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
This parable was used by Jesus to show us how God feels when He has forgiven us, and we refuse to forgive others. The lesson also teaches us about the grace of God and His expectation for us to work hard and try to be more like Him. God knows it will take time and that forgiveness can be a heavy burden to bear.
Neither of these men asked for forgiveness, they only asked for patience. It’s like saying “Excuse me, I’m sorry, is there anything I can do?”
Forgiveness is a Gift
Forgiveness can be requested.
Forgiveness cannot be demanded.
Forgiveness is an Art
It is something we refine over time as an evolving practice hoping to become skillful with blending empathy and understanding, knowing we too stand in need of this grace.
Forgiveness is a Discipline
It requires deliberate effort and practice, even when it’s hard.
It is a deliberate commitment.
Forgiveness is a Responsibility
Forgiveness is a moral duty which benefits us and others.
Only you can forgive those who trespass against you.
Forgiveness is an Opportunity
It opens doors to growth, healing, and stronger relationships.
Forgiveness is the first step towards restoration.
Forgiveness is a Necessity
It is essential for freeing the soul from resentment.
It is vital for emotional healing and sustained health.
If we do not forgive ourselves and others, we will not be right with God.
Blessings are hindered.
Spiritual strength erodes.
We experience limited results in our spiritual pursuits.
Forgiveness is what is best for God, for you, and for others. Forgiveness does not mean I agree with you or even want to be your friend.
Forgiveness means:
I am not going to appoint myself to be your judge, jury, or executioner.
I am not going to bring the situation back up to:
God, in an attempt to get Him to judge or punish you.
The person, in efforts to criticize them or make them feel bad.
Myself, to nurse my hurt, anger, or disappointment.
Others, hoping to make them take my side and not like the other person.
I am going to give it to God, 70 times 7 times each day if I have to.
I am going to keep telling myself – “Let it go!”
Matthew 6
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
We have time this morning, I saved time especially for this moment. I’d like to offer each one of you on campus and those online an opportunity to connect with your Heavenly Father and ask Him to forgive you of your failures, wrongs, debts, trespasses, mistakes, bad decisions or whatever else you might comfortably call the sins you have allowed in your life … especially the sin of unforgiveness.
As well, some of you need to forgive others who have wronged you. Remember, forgiveness is a key to a better future.
Perhaps you’ve been disappointed by parents, hurt by your spouse, betrayed by your friend, or been unfairly treated by your employer. Whatever the pain, whoever it was that hurt you … even if it’s you … give them to God and LET IT GO!
Lift it up and let it go through prayer.
