Forgiveness

We open up our lesson this morning with the song “Forgiveness” by Matthew West.  As we listen, we reflect on what it means to really forgive.  In the words of the song, "It flies in the face of all your pride"...how true.

Matt 18:21-22-Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?(Matt 18:15 - If your brother sins “against you”, go and Show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won brother.)Up to seven times?’ (Jesus gave his disciples instructions one of them is in Luke 17:4– And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’-forgive him.”) Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Forgiveness is a major part of the Christian faith and your forgiveness grows through encounters God and meditating on his word. Have you ever said “please forgive me” to someone out of love? What I mean is to love is to forgive, if you love really someone you can forgive them…no matter how difficult (example 1 Cor. 13) Read if you have never heard? How do you feel if you walk away from someone you know you should tell them you’re sorry or u forgive them, but you decided not to say anything? How do you feel when someone does it to you?

Forgiveness is a timing thing, sometimes when you’re ready they are not and vice versa they are ready and you are not. Forgiveness is like love, you can interchange the two in your Christian journey..but the thing to remember is that neither of them cannot be faked or expected in return when given to others. It goes back to the timing thing, when ya’ll are ready and also it cannot be rushed.

Matt 6:14-15 – (Jesus say)For if you forgive others for their transgressions, (Jesus warns in Matt 7:2 – ‘For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.’ More examples of his warnings Mark 11:25, Eph 4:32, Col 3:13)your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.(Another example read Matt18:23-35) definitions as we are reading: A talent was worth more than fifteen years’ wages of a Laborer, Denarius was a day’s wages.

Closing Prayer: Thank you God for the positives (high) points this week and realize the negative (low) points are where we were lacking you. Lord hear our petitions also let us pray O-lord for those who are lost or lonely or sick or dying. We pray for those who do not know you but need you, that they will find you. Please Lord hear the prayer of your people who do your service throughout the World. Dear God help us to smile until we speak again, Lord help open our eyes and hearts to your work in the world around us and happily join in the struggle to spread your great, most highest Word to the world…and all Gods people say..Amen