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Word & Deed: We are Witnesses: Forgiveness, Part I
with Travis Aicklen
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15, Colossians 3:12-13, Romans 12, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Isaiah, Ephesians 4:31-32, Mark 11:25-26, Ephesians 4:26-27
Intro: Jesus, in teaching the Lord's Prayer, emphasizes one key action: forgiveness. This sermon explores the misconceptions and realities of forgiveness, highlighting its importance in our lives and witness.
Key Points:
- One Job: In the Lord's Prayer, forgiveness is the primary action Jesus calls us to. We are to pardon and release those who don't deserve it.
- Misconceptions of Forgiveness:
- It's not approving of the offense.
- It's not excusing the offense.
- It's not automatic reconciliation.
- It's not denying the offense.
- It's not forgetting the offense.
- It's not neglecting justice.
- Realities of Forgiveness:
- It's a release.
- It's stopping keeping score.
- It's refusing to punish.
- It's being merciful.
- It's from the heart.
- It's an absence of bitterness.
- It's an ongoing process.
- The Spite House: Holding onto unforgiveness traps us in a small, confined space, hindering our freedom and witness.
- The Cross: Jesus' sacrifice demonstrates the ultimate act of forgiveness, tearing down dividing walls.
Conclusion:
- Forgiveness is a mandate, not an option, for Christians.
- Bitterness is the alternative to forgiveness.
- Forgiveness is a release, not a recoding.
- We must rehearse forgiveness as much as we rehearse the story of the hurt.
Call to Action:
- Reflect on areas of unforgiveness in your life.
- Practice releasing those who have hurt you.
- Choose to stop keeping score.
- Rehearse forgiveness.
- Receive communion as a reminder of Christ’s forgiveness.
- Participate in the forgiveness prayer offered.
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*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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