Jay Grant’s end of year message on forgiveness with sermon notes:
Passages
And Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who have mistreated you.” (Luke 6:27,28) How is this done as it’s so difficult? First step – forgiveness
“Be gentle and bear with one another; forgive each other, if there is any grievance or complaint, readily pardon one another, even as the Lord as forgiven you, so must you forgive others.” Colossians 3:13
“And forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Matthew 5:12
Why Is It Important To Forgive Those Who Have Hurt Us?
1. Forgiveness releases us from debilitating anger, resentment and deep bitterness over those who have terribly hurt us in the past. Anger and bitterness poisons your life. It has to go. “Let no root of bitterness spring up within you, causing bitter torment, defiling not only you but those around you.” Hebrews 12:15
2. Unforgiveness gives people power over you as they control your emotions; When we think of someone who has really hurt us, we often plunge into negative emotions (anger, hate, feelings of revenge). Forgiveness sets you free from this cycle of negative, painful feelings.
3. Unforgiveness gives Satan a strong foothold in your life. When we harbor resentments, we open a door allowing the enemy to foster/encourage even greater hatred and bitterness which can lead to acts of revenge. Forgiveness breaks the hold of the enemy.
4. There’s a great exchange when you truly forgive. Hate, resentment and bitterness goes, replaced by joy, love and contentment. New life is imparted when we forgive. Everything becomes better.
** Note – sometimes we must forgive the same person/issue more than once.
5. We must forgive because God has called us to forgive. Whether we feel like it or not. We choose to forgive even though it might be the most difficult thing we’ve ever done. One of the biggest mistakes anybody can make is to live by feelings. Feelings betray us. Often, an act of our will is required to do the right and good thing. “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Ps 34:1