Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. Let's gather our hearts together today as we turn our attention to the divine words of God, the Holy Scripture that guides us, comforts us, and shapes us into the image of Christ.

Our focus today is on forgiveness - a theme so central to our faith, yet so challenging to live out. It's a theme that calls us to reflect God's love even when it's difficult, to extend mercy even when we've been wronged, and to let go of bitterness even when it clings tightly to our hearts.

Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher of the 19th century, once said, "To be forgiven is such sweetness that honey is tasteless in comparison with it. But yet there is one thing sweeter still, and that is to forgive." Indeed, there is a profound and soul-stirring sweetness in forgiveness that mirrors the very heart of our loving God.

Let's read together from the book of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 21-35:

[Insert Scripture Here]

The passage continues with the parable of the unmerciful servant, a powerful illustration of God's boundless forgiveness towards us and our call to forgive others in the same way. We'll also look at 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, where Paul urges the Corinthians to forgive and comfort a repentant sinner, and Hebrews 12:14-15, where the writer calls us to live in peace with everyone and to guard against the corrosive power of bitterness.

As we prepare to delve deeper into these passages, let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We ask for your Holy Spirit to guide us as we study your Word today. Help us to understand the depth of your forgiveness, and empower us to forgive as you have forgiven us. May our hearts be open to your truth, and may our lives be transformed by your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pardoning Power of Forgiveness

In the heart of the Gospel, we find a divine pardon. This pardon, this forgiveness, is not just a simple act. It's a powerful force, a transformative energy that can turn a sinner into a saint, an enemy into a friend. When we think about forgiveness, we often think about it in terms of the person being forgiven. But what about the person doing the forgiving? What happens to them?

When we forgive, we're not just releasing the other person from their debt. We're also releasing ourselves. We're freeing ourselves from the burden of resentment, the weight of bitterness, the chains of anger. We're choosing to let go of the negative emotions that can so easily consume us, and in doing so, we're opening ourselves up to peace, joy, and love.

This brings us to the first aspect of forgiveness we need to consider: forgiveness is a choice. It's a decision we make, not based on our feelings, but based on our commitment to follow Christ. It's not always an easy choice. In fact, it can be incredibly difficult. But it's a choice we're called to make, again and again, seventy times seven.

Also, forgiveness is an act of obedience. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, Jesus didn't give him a specific number. He gave him a principle. He was essentially saying, "Peter, you need to forgive as many times as it takes." This wasn't just a command for Peter. It's a command for all of us. We're called to forgive, not because it's easy, not because it's fair, but because it's what God has commanded us to do.

The third aspect is that forgiveness is a reflection of God's character. When we forgive, we're mirroring the heart of God. We're showing the world a glimpse of His grace, His mercy, His love. We're living out the Gospel in a tangible way. We're saying, "This is what God is like. He's a God who forgives, a God who loves, a God who gives second chances."

The fourth and final aspect is that forgiveness is a pathway to healing. When we hold onto unforgiveness, it's like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It's destructive, not just to our relationships, but also to our own hearts. But when we choose to forgive, we're choosing to heal. We're choosing to let go of the past and move forward into the future. We're choosing to replace our pain with peace, our hurt with hope, our bitterness with blessing.

Transition. So, as we reflect on the pardoning power of forgiveness, let's remember these four aspects. Let's remember that forgiveness is a choice, an act of obedience, a reflection of God's character, and a pathway to healing. And let's remember that when we forgive, we're not just pardoning the other person, we're also pardoning ourselves. We're releasing ourselves from the prison of unforgiveness and stepping into the freedom of God's grace.

Peace Procured through Forgiveness

As we continue to reflect on the theme of forgiveness, we are drawn to the peace that it brings ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO