Forgive, REALLY!

If I were a betting man, I would be willing to bet that there have been times in your life when you found it hard to forgive. Someone hurt you so badly, that you wanted to hang on to the the grudge for as long as possible. If the truth was known, we have all had people in our past that we love to hate.

Sally took a seminary class taught by Professor Smith, who was known for his object lessons. One day, Sally walked into class to find a large target placed on the wall and several darts on a nearby table. Professor Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone they disliked or who had made them angry—then they could throw darts at the person’s picture.

Sally’s friend drew a picture of a woman who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his younger brother. Sally drew a detailed picture of Professor Smith, including pimples on his face. She was quite pleased with her effort.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some students threw with such force that they ripped apart their targets. But before Sally had a turn, Professor Smith asked the students to return to their seats so he could begin his lecture. She was fuming. She wanted her turn at the professor’s picture.

You may not have thrown darts at a picture, but you have no doubt felt like Peter in our text this morning.

How often do I have to forgive someone. Join me as we look at this text and see if we can discover together how to forgive, Really forgive.

Forgiveness Needs Honest Conversation

Matthew 18:15 NASB95

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Honest conversation is difficult

We all have difficulty being honest with each other.

We are afraid of hurting the other person

We are afraid of being seen as overbearing and judgmental.

Forgiveness Does Not Look for Loopholes

Matthew 18:21–22 NASB95

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Forgiveness Begins with Compassion

Matthew 18:27 NASB95

“And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.

Forgiveness is Our Response

Matthew 18:35 NASB95

“My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

You are no doubt wondering about Sally in the seminar class. How did that all turn out.

As Sally fumed, the professor began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath it was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as students saw the mangled image of their Savior with holes and jagged marks covering his face. His eyes were virtually pierced out.

Professor Smith said only these words: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Video Scars.

answers: Honest Conversation, Look for Loopholes, with Compassion, Our Response.