Forgiveness: Give To God What Is God's

Sometimes forgiveness is hard work.

As we complete our series today on forgiveness I think it is important to state the obvious: Sometimes forgiveness is hard to do. Other times it is simple and easy. The greater the hurt the harder it may be.

Forgiveness is NOT reconciliation.

Though I believe forgiveness creates half of the bridge needed for reconciliation it is not the whole process. Reconciliation demands a change in behavior. This is why we must be reconciled to God and to do so means our behavior, way of living, must change.

Forgiveness shows God heart.

We do not forgive just because it is a good idea and go for our health. I have read many articles, research, books, etc all talking about how good it is be a forgiving person. This is true but as God’s people we do it because this is who God is.

Goal-speak to the heart this morning.

We have gone over some of the “how” of forgiving the past 7 weeks, 6 total in this series starting on Easter Sunday. We have seen the foundation of forgiveness and hopefully some of the practical steps. This morning indulge me one last time to try and speak to our hearts about forgiveness in hopes we will let the Word of God to sink in and feed this new desire to be like him.

Jesus teaches us God’s way.

Once again you may want to say, “thanks captain obvious”. But let us for a brief moment stop right here. Those sent to trap Jesus said words that are true but never let them really sink in. They have high words to say about Jesus but have no intention of living out His words.

We must commit to living out Jesus’ words.

Gaining knowledge is good and important but we cannot forget to live out that knowledge. Paul states in 1 Corinthians that knowledge puffs up but love builds up. We must allow our knowledge and growth in “knowing Christ” be used to build up others.

James 1:22 M:BCL

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!

Jesus cannot be fooled!

This is a warning and an encouragement. The warning: we cannot say one thing and act another way thinking we will be okay. We cannot profess Jesus as Lord and then live as if we are lord.

Encouragement: we can forgive even if we are being fooled knowing that Jesus will have the final word.

Give to God what is His!

As God’s people we are called to this great high calling to make sure in all things we give to God what is his. I am not going to interact much with the first part of the statement though to understand one is to grasp the others.

We are all made in God’s image.

Genesis 1 and 2 teach this great truth. As the coin had the image of Caesar and his family, so to we have the image of God stamped on us.

Forgiveness puts people in God’s hands.

When I harbor unforgiveness towards others or myself I am in essence trying to be God and holding the other person close. In doing so, I am unable to receive what God wants for me and the joy of life.

I give you back to God.

Famous words from the movie and play Les Miserables but also so important for us to hear.