Love that Forgives (Sermon 3)

Is it hard? Asking for forgiveness, or extending forgiveness? Why do you think that is? (pause)

In this series we have looked at

The command to love (Jn13:34-35) - - - loving one another is not optional; it is a direct command from Jesus and a defining mark of His disciples.

Then in week two we looked at Love in action, love is a verb, (1Jn3:16-18) that biblical love is not just spoken or felt, it is demonstrated through sacrificial deeds.

(transition) today, we take our next step in loving one another, the mark of discipleship series, love that acts must be love that forgives. Because when love is lived out in real relationships, offences will come, wounds will happen and forgiveness becomes unavoidable.

Love that forgives: Releases Old Self

Ephesians 4:31 “31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”

Illustration: Have everyone grab bible or song book and hold onto in front of them, think of that as attitudes that poison relationships like bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and slander.

Paul calls for those things to be put away along with all malice.

These are not just emotions, these are things that we choose whether to carry or release them.

Have you ever carried a resentment, or anger longer than you should have, that caused you pain longer than it should have? (insert personal story, short)

Key Truth: You cannot love when while holding on to bitterness.

Want to bring in a couple more scriptures in this point before moving on

Hebrews 12:14–15 “14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;”

Bitterness defiles many

Colossians 3:8 “8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.”

Like mentioned earlier about putting away, here it say’s put them “all” aside. And to do it! It takes effort, it takes a decision and diligence to do it.

Love that Forgives Reflects God’s Mercy

Ephesians 4:32 “32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Forgiveness is not based on what others deserve — but on what Christ has already done.

Our forgiveness flows from the cross, not from our feelings.

Paul does not say “if” God forgave you — he says just as He forgave you.

I hope and pray we all have somewhat of a grasp on God’s forgiveness, God’s grace and His mercy, so what about our love and forgiveness extended to others. (insert personal story)

Key Truth: We forgive because we have been forgiven far more than we realize.

Consider Colossians 3:12–13 “12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” - - - Forgive as the Lord forgave you

and may we remember: Psalm 103:12 “12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” - - - sins removed as far as the east is from the west for the east and west do not meet.

Love that Forgives Freely Forgives Fully

Have everyone turn to Matthew 18:21–35 “21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 “When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 “But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. 26 “So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’

27 “And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29 “So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ 30 “But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. 31 “So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.

32 “Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34 “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. 35 “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.””

Peter’s question focuses on limits, Jesus’ answer removes limits.

The parable reveals the contrast between:

An unpayable debt forgiven (God’s mercy to us)

A small debt refused forgiveness (our treatment of others)

Unforgiveness reveals a heart that has forgotten grace. - - - I know I have forgotten Gods’ grace and mercy at times and do not want to show it to others at times, it has gotten better, but can still struggle at times. (holding onto a resentment; insert story over a little thing)

Key Truth: Refusing to forgive contradicts the mercy we claim to live by.

Now, have to put this in here.

This is not about earning salvation, salvation is a work of God, received by grace through faith with obedience.

It is about living consistently with the grace we have received.

Application

Identify what you are holding onto

Is there bitterness, resentment or an unresolved offense?

Consider: Matthew 5:23–24 “23 “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”

Remember your own forgiveness in Christ

Go back to the cross before you go back to the offense!

Go back to the place where your forgiveness was made possible, the cross of Christ. Remember.

Choose obedience, even when emotions lag behind.

Forgiveness is a decision that often precedes healing.

Pray for those who hurt you.

Prayer softens the heart and aligns us with God’s mercy.

Take away: Forgiven People Forgive - Because genuine love reflects the grace of Christ.

Forgiveness does not say what happened was acceptable. Forgiveness says the cross is greater than the offence. The cross is greater than your sin, any sin, any time, anywhere and don’t carry the burden of sin any longer or hurts any longer if you need to respond to message we offer now, or speak to one of the men after service if you would like in the back.

(Song) (Prayer) (Exit)