Forgiven and Forgive

Intro

For 100 days in 1994, Rwanda was a killing field. Saveri Nemeye was one of the aggressors. With a machete he brutally killed Rosaria Bankundiye’s husband and their four children. Released from prison in 2004, Saveri went to Rosaria and begged for forgiveness. Rosaria considered his request and then granted it. “How can I refuse to forgive when I’m a forgiven sinner, too?” she asks. Other Christians in Rwanda “describe praying extensively before choosing to grant forgiveness, and speak of the example of Jesus forgiving his killers as he hung on the cross: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know now what they do.’ ”

Even though we know it is the right thing to do, and even though we know God commands us to forgive, we understand that this kind of radical forgiveness is a miracle from God who promised to forgive us as we forgive others.Rwandan Genocide. In E. Ritzema (Ed.), 300 Illustrations for Preachers. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Matthew 18:21–22 NIV

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Paraphrase Jesus parable proceeding what he says to Peter (in modern day terms)

There are two important aspects that I want to take a look at together today. The first is that we are called to forgive which is the obvious one we see in this passage. The second is a little less obvious but it is implied here through Jesus. That is we are to realize that we too are also forgiven.

1. What Is Forgiveness?

First let us define what forgiveness is. It’s a word we hear

very often in sermons, among friends and peers, but do we actually know what it is or what it means? If I were to say I forgive you or your are forgiven would we understand the implication or have we become almost numb?

Has forgiveness to us become something that has lost it’s value?

According to Lexham Theological Wordbook

Forgiveness is the release on the part of the creditor or offended party, of any expectation that a deb will be repaid or that an offender will receive punishment for an offense. When describing the removal of an inappropriate offense in this way the removal does not condone the behavior or suggest approval for the offense.

So in short forgiveness is the release of a debt or offense against us. Not condoning but releasing it from taking power in our heart and our head.

Romans 3:23 NIV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Now there is a huge reason that Jesus and the writers of scripture emphasize the importance of forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

2. Unforgivness Leads To Bitterness

Now when we allow unforgiveness to harbor itself in our heart we are allowing bitterness to swell up and take over in our lives. In scripture we see two cultures. A culture of forgiveness which is the culture of heaven and then we see the culture of unforgiveness which is the culture of hell.

Ephesians 4:31–32 NIV

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:26–27 NIV

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

When we allow bitterness to find a home in our heart we are giving the devil a foothold and inviting the culture of satan and hell into our lives.

Explain the researcher at Stanford's findings.

This is a secular researcher forming an idea of a form of secular forgiveness of just letting it go. Have you ever been to an area and just seen a grumpy old bitter man? It has aged him, he might mask it with substance abuse and he just looks miserable. It is the culture of unforgiveness taking it’s tole. Unforgiveness will become not only a spiritual burden but a physical one. So what do we do?

Illustration of unforgiveness and the house

We must allow forgiveness to unburden our heart. Jesus knew this and he promised us a light load and an unburdened hear.

But more importantly we must come to realize daily that.

3. We Are Forgiven.

Jesus called us to forgive because he knew the lightness it would bring us and the ability it would give us to walk in an abundant life, but the biggest thing he wants us to understand is that we have been forgiven by Him through His death and resurrection. And with that He wants us to walk in a newness and freedom that that forgiveness offers.

Do not allow Satan to coax you into this thought that somehow you are not forgiven and therefore not loved by God and loved by Jesus.

Jesus is faithful to forgive when we come to him and ask him for forgiveness. Why would Jesus ever give Peter a command to forgive 70 times 7 if He Himself would not follow that. He does and he goes above and beyond what we ask.

1 John 1:8–10 NIV

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Maybe today a thought has entered your head that I have used up my fair share of forgiveness from Christ. I am no longer worthy and therefore no longer loved, no longer saved, no longer covered by Grace. Or maybe on the other side of things you are deceiving yourself by saying you don’t actually need forgiveness. Or maybe you have asked for forgiveness countless times and you just don’t feel forgiven.

RC Sproul forgiveness story

Do not let Satan poison you with these lies. They are his tactic to keep you from walking in a life that is promised to you of greatness and filled with the spirit.

Look at the story of Stephen and a man named Saul

Stephen forgives them and in turn Jesus forgives Saul. The most ruthless Christian killer.

Outro

Story about Stephen being stoned