A Matter Of Forgiveness

A Matter of Forgiveness

January 24, 2009 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: Forgiving others will set you free.

Focus Passage: Matthew 18:21-35

Introduction: After the Civil War, Robert E. Lee visited a Kentucky lady who took him to the remains of a grand old tree in front of her house. There she bitterly cried that its limbs and trunk had been destroyed by Federal artillery fire. She looked to Lee for a word condemning the North or at least sympathizing with her loss. After a brief silence, Lee said, "Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it." It is better to forgive the injustices of the past than to allow them to remain, let bitterness take root and poison the rest of our life.

I. Forgiveness is a command

a. Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

b. Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

II. Forgiveness is a choice

a. Forgiveness – deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.

b. When you become solidly convinced that God has forgiven you - it will become less difficult to forgive your brother!

III. Forgiveness is Christ’s example

a. Luke 23:34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

b.

Invitation: You must forgive – decide that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay. That will set you free.