Forgiving Others Series

Message

Matthew 6:14-15

“Forgiving Others”

You can listen to the full message here:-

http://www.nec.org.au/listen-to-a-sermon-series/forgiveness/

How many of you know the Lord’s Prayer?

There is a line in the Lord’s prayer that should always make us stop and think.

Forgive us our sins as we also forgive those who sin against us.

People around the world … in all languages and in all nations … pray this prayer. Forgive us our sins as we forgive also those who sin against us.

That’s a huge call isn’t it?

Especially when we have a closer look at the context of the Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13. Just after the prayer is finished we read these words in Matthew 6:14-15.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Basically these verses are saying that the measure of forgiveness you show to others is the measure of forgiveness God uses when He is dealing with you.

Like I said. It is a hard call.

Especially when we realise that people can do some pretty hurtful things to one another.

There are many parents who love their children and treat them well.

But there are many parents who do not.

You hear parents say some terrible things to their children.

That they are useless and will amount to nothing.

That they are never helpful and always in the way.

If only you were like your sister you would have a better life.

This, and so much more.

It has an impact … a very negative impact that can last for years.

There can be times when relationships are broken, often as a result of poor communication.

One person has had a hard day at work - they have had a fall-out with a work colleague. So they come home from the hard day and brood. Not saying anything, just shutting down.

The other person in that relationship is struggling with self-worth. They just need to talk and be encouraged. But they face a partner who is shut down and brooding. “What have I done?” “Maybe I am to blame?”

The cycle continues. Break-down occurs. Hurts build up. The pain grows.

That is just two examples among 1000.

To get the most out of this message today I want you to identify your hurt.

Not out loud … just to yourself.

You’re thinking of that event, or moment, or person, or situation which, even after an extended period of time, still creates pain.

You could just be doing nothing … and suddenly the hurt comes back.

You could find yourself thinking about it … and the hurt hits as if new.

You feel weighed down by it.

There may even be a sense of bitterness or wanting vengeance.

It doesn’t even need to be an old hurt. Maybe it is recent … or happening right now.

What is your hurt? You fill in the space as to what that is.

… …

Now let’s read some passages in the Bible.

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).

When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (Mark 10:25).

As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12-13).

It does not matter if the other person is a believer or a not-yet-believer. It doesn’t matter if that person has come to you to ask for forgiveness, of if they have not asked for forgiveness.

Age doesn’t come into it.

The severity of the hurt does not come into it.

The length of time when the offence occurred does not come into it.

The teaching of the Bible is clear – we need to forgive.

That’s such a hard call isn’t it? Especially when we can easily think of a whole range of reasons not to forgive.

How can we forgive someone who hasn’t asked for forgiveness from us?

That seems reasonable doesn’t it. If we have been hurt then surely the other person has the responsibility to come and ask for forgiveness.

But what if they don’t … don’t ask for forgiveness. What if they don’t think they have done anything wrong? What if they don’t see the hurt they have caused. There are some people, even when you point out what they have done, who won’t ask for forgiveness.