Forgiveness - Matthew 18:21-35

How does it feel when you owe someone money?

Not super great! - Especially if they are our friend

How does it feel when someone owes you money?

Also not great - maybe you worry about the confrontation of asking for the money - what if they don’t pay you back.

It embarrassing to ask for it

Getting into our topic

Today we are going to talk about forgiveness.

What is forgiveness?

Financial: To release the debtor from the legal obligation to repay the debt.

Moral: To release a sinner from consequences deserved by their actions

Getting into our Text

In order to get a grasp on the subject we will be studying a parable of Jesus - Matthew 18:21-35

Read and explain Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness in our lives -

What is the thing that hurts our pride the most? - FORGIVENESS

Our flesh hates it!

Forgiveness must be intentional and from the heart

Telling someone “I forgive you” is not saying that what they did to you was “OK”

Wagging your finger at someone “in forgiveness” is not forgiveness - It is fleshly pride

Why should we forgive?

The Gospel

Colossians 2:13–14 ESV

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Conclusion

There is freedom in forgiveness

We must forgive because Christ forgave us