The Weight Of Forgiveness Series

We forgive, because God has forgiven us. That’s the ultimate forgiveness. We forgive because God commands it; and we forgive because it is good for our heart, soul, mind and body; and it is good for those whom we proclaim, “I forgive you!”

Because when you do not, and will not and cannot forgive it weighs you down. In fact, I’d like to illustrate that. I would like someone who is big and strong to volunteer to come up here and help me.

Let’s check back in with Carson. How are you doing? You see, unforgiveness is weighing Carson down. But it didn’t start out that way. You see, when we don’t forgive, it’s like adding these rocks onto our heart, soul, mind and body. It’s not too big a deal at first, but it adds up over time.

In fact, right now Carson could carry on a conversation with me, couldn’t you?

Now, when we don’t forgive, it becomes easier and easier to not forgive and it weighs you down even more. So, we are going to add something a little heavier. But because Carson is really, really stubborn, he refuses to forgive, even though it’s hurting him.

At this point I don’t think I can have a pleasant conversation with Carson. He cannot talk to his family and tell them how wonderful they are. In fact, prayer is pretty tough right now. You see, Carson is consumed with this forgiveness thing.

So, I would ask mom and dad to come up here. Come on up and help.

Because you see, we don’t need to go through unforgiveness and forgiveness on our own. This is where the body of Christ comes in. We’re here for one another. You see, we aren’t going to hold Carson’s arms in the air and force him to continue in the sin of unforgiveness, instead because we love him, we are going to help lighten his load.

Isn’t that what the church is about, forming deep, intimate community? Now that we have helped Carson release himself from the bondage of unforgiveness, how do your arms feel? MUCH BETTER!

In fact, Carson, lift your arms now. Did they feel heavy or light? LIGHTER!

Excellent! That is what forgiveness does for us. It releases the weight and burden we carry wherever we go. God’s call for us is to practice loving, yet radical forgiveness of our brothers and sisters. Sometimes it takes awhile, but the point is to work through the process until we come to that point in time when we are released from carrying the weight of unforgiveness.

Friends, is there someone you need to forgive, someone in this room, right here, right now? Is there a family member, a co-worker, a friend? The choice is always yours. You can be unforgiving and let it weigh you down - - - or you can work the process of forgiveness and let it go, and experience physical, emotional and most especially spiritual relief from our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Let us pray.