Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dig deep into the power, the necessity, and the example of forgiveness as shown to us in Matthew 18:21-35. It's a passage that might make you squirm a little, but boy is it powerful!

Before we dive in, I want to share a quote from Dag Hammarskjöld, "Forgiveness breaks the chain of causality because he who forgives you out of love, takes upon himself the consequences of what you have done. Forgiveness, therefore, always entails a sacrifice." Now, isn't that something to chew on?

Let's read our Scripture passage together, Matthew 18:21-35.

The Power

The power of forgiveness is a force that can transform lives, mend relationships, and bring about healing in ways that are truly miraculous. When we look at the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18, we see a clear demonstration of this power. The servant, who owed an enormous debt to his master, was forgiven. The master, moved by compassion, released the servant and forgave his debt. This act of forgiveness was not just a cancellation of a financial obligation; it was a life-changing event for the servant. It was a second chance, a fresh start, a new lease on life.

About the one who forgives: The master, in choosing to forgive, exercised his power not in a punitive way, but in a merciful way. He chose to absorb the loss, to bear the cost of the servant's debt. This is a powerful demonstration of love and grace. It's a reminder that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It takes courage to forgive, to let go of resentment and anger, to choose love over revenge.

It’s transformative: It can change the course of a person's life, as it did for the servant in the parable. But it also has the power to change the one who forgives. In choosing to forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of bitterness and resentment. We open ourselves up to peace, joy, and love. We align ourselves with the heart of God, who is rich in mercy and abounding in love.

Extends to our relationships with others: When we forgive, we create a space for reconciliation and healing. We open the door for restored relationships and renewed trust. We set an example for others to follow, demonstrating the love and grace that we have received from God.

Not always easy to tap into: It requires humility, courage, and a willingness to let go of our desire for revenge. It requires us to see others not as our enemies, but as fellow human beings who, like us, are in need of grace. It requires us to remember the forgiveness that we have received from God, and to extend that same forgiveness to others.

The heart of the gospel message, the good news of God's love for us: Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been forgiven of our sins and given the gift of eternal life. This is the ultimate demonstration of the power of forgiveness, a power that is available to us as we choose to forgive others.

The Necessity

The necessity of forgiveness is not an optional extra or a luxury, but a requirement for those who follow Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO