* Bitterness is fruit – Unforgiveness is the root – Tree of ungrace
* Grace and forgiveness – Linked
* “cycle:” Injury > Penalty / Debt > cancellation (of payment)
Unforgiveness – hold hostages (does not set free) Hebrews 12:15
* Creates bondage…the real loser is the one harboring bitterness / grudge…become a captive to negative emotions and resentment (“re-live”)
* “Fail” – ( to fall short or come behind) –watch yourself and family
* “Trouble” –(to cut, keep the wound open)…[Pres. Garfield-shot in back…died from constant probing of doctors-months later]
* “Defile” – (to stain, taint others) – divorce, murder, vengeance.
* Bitterness is an acid – eats the container it’s in – until it leaks out and then destroys closest thing to it.
- (Mary Karr’s uncle sawed his house in ½)
Forgiveness “to set free’ – someone who has wronged you, taken from you, damaged you, injured you, taken advantage of you… Even though we know we should … its like we can’t (100 reasons…)
* People don’t forgive just because its commended / the right thing to do
* It’s not just a switch we flip…it’s a wound [healing]: its not easy
That’s why, over and over, forgiveness is linked to two things- a blessing or a curse (motivator or consequence) Matthew 6:14-15 (both + & – )
* Matthew 18:21-35 – King forgave $15,000,000; Servant didn’t truly receive it; Servant demanded $5,000 from fellow
* We are totally forgiven; We must forgive
Living in Total Forgiveness – Un-enslaved (Romans 6:6)
* Ill.- “Remember the duck” – Sally kept Johnny captive to guilt
* Ill.- Professors final exam – at end, just sign your name and get a A+
* “Forgiving Self” (Dr. Phil. / Oprah)
o Need to apologize to someone you can’t, Asking for forgiveness, being refused, Needing to know you’re forgiven, Punishing ourselves for wrong… “You can’t” No more than a prisoner can pardon himself! **Never mentioned in the Bible (middle voice)
o Answer: Renewed understanding of God’s total forgiveness
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