In this message we’re going to answer 5 basic questions about forgiveness: why, who, when, where, and how. Let’s begin with:
WHY should we forgive?
- It’s a matter of obedience if we do. You cannot disconnect your commitment to forgive from your discipleship.
- It’s a matter of consequences if we don’t. There are spiritual, as well as emotional and physical implications to unforgiveness.
Bottom line? We forgive because we have been forgiven.
WHO should we forgive?
- Those who ask for it. (Mk. 11:25)
- Those who don’t ask for it. As He was being crucified, Jesus forgave his executioners, even though they never asked for it. We forgive because to fail to do so is to pay a heavy price.
WHEN should we forgive?
- At the moment of offense. Don’t delay. Forgive immediately.
- As the Spirit reveals. God always reveals in order to heal.
WHERE do we forgive?
- In prayer. It’s between us and God.
- In private. Don’t go to the person and say, “I just want you to know that I forgive you.” Forgiveness is a transaction between you and God.
HOW should we forgive?
- Thoroughly. The Bible says we are to “forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.” How did God forgive you? He forgave freely, fully. So should we.
- Specifically. The more specific I am in my forgiving, the more free I am in my living.
Ask the Spirit to bring to mind the things you need to forgive. Make an itemized list of each offense, grievance, or hurt. Then one by one, in prayer, let them go. “Father, I forgive (person’s name) for (name the offense).”
It may be wise to have a mature, spiritual friend help you expand your list and witness your forgiveness.
Then once you are done, destroy the list. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Love keeps no record of wrongs.”
Text: Various
Originally recorded on September 15, 2013, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.
