10/13 - Matthew 18:21-22 - What can't you forgive?

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked,

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive

my brother when he sins against me?

Up to seven times?” Jesus answered,

“I tell you, not seven times,

but seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18:21-22

 

“I just can’t forgive him.”

 

Have you ever heard anyone say that? Is there anyone you yourself can’t forgive?

 

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things in the world. We’ve been hurt. The pain is real. The scars are often deep. “I just can’t forgive.”

 

Our road sign for today is Loose Gravel. It’s a hazardous road condition. Why? Because on loose gravel our tires are prone to spin. We may skid. We may slide. We may run off the road. Therefore, this sign is bright orange. Caution!

 

Unforgiveness deserves a bright orange sign. When our hearts don’t let go of hurts, we’re prone to skidding, sliding, and running off the road. It’s one of the most hazardous conditions in life. And it will control you, if you don’t control it. It may, indeed, kill you – or at least kill your joy – unless you kill it. Therefore, are you ready to do battle with this dangerous road hazard?

 

My favorite way to talk about forgiveness is in terms of debts.

 

·         The first step toward forgiveness is realizing that when someone has sinned against you, they’ve “opened an account.” They’ve incurred a debt.

 

·         Therefore, what we need to do next is examine the account. We need to ponder why this hurts so much.

 

·         Next, we need to admit that as junior tellers, we can’t forgive this huge debt on our own; therefore, we need to go to the bank manager (God). God can and does forgive debts. And the cross of Christ and its power can work through you to bring this to completion.

 

·         Fourth, we need to close the account. We need to forgive.

 

·         Fifth, we need to never open it again. (Don’t keep bringing it back up!)

 

Who is the person who you just can’t forgive? What is the situation that just keeps gnawing at you? Do you see how you’re not free? Do you feel your tires skidding, sliding, threatening to run your peace, hope, love, and joy off the road?

 

Why does this hurt so much?

 

And have you really given it to the bank manager – God?

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who is in the middle

of a Dave Ramsey course –

I’m saying goodbye to all debts