Sermon on 26 May 2024 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
Unforgiveness can enslave us, but forgiveness can free us.
Message
When there is an opening of unforgiveness (Eph 4:26), the devil will attack. Another opening for the devil is fear and doubt (2 Tim 1:7), as the peace of God is not present. A third opening is disobedience (Eph 2:1-5). The devil attacks one with physical ailments, then relationships within the family, and finances. The devil is quick to strike whenever any one of these openings are present.
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. - Colossians 3:13-14
When you forgive someone, you heal immediately. There is power in forgiveness. There is freedom in forgiveness and joy in reconciliation. The kingdom of God will never have unforgiveness.
Forgiveness starts with 3 things.
1. Forgiveness starts with good blueprints
Hold up and endure (Matt 18:21-22). Put on love (1 John 4:19; 1 Pet 4:8). Above all things, love. The best blueprint is the bible. Fill your heart with the word of God and your mind with spiritual things. The bible is the blueprint to unleash the power of forgiveness. The reading of the word will cleanse you. Move from your old life to a new life in Christ, and take all your burdens to the cross (1 Pe 5:7).
2. Forgiveness starts with a choice
Unforgiveness is not just a horrible way to live; it is a death sentence (Matt 6:14-15; 18:23-35). If you do not forgive the transgressions of others, your Father in heaven will not forgive you. We can forgive the debt or continue to live with it. We must seek to be more like Christ in forgiveness. Forgiveness is intentional. It is not automatic. You have to make a conscious choice (Luke 23:34; John 20:19,21,26).
3. Forgiveness starts with Jesus
Forgiveness is a core teaching of Jesus. It was a core ministry of His Life. When Jesus resurrected, He only appeared to the disciples and said “Peace be with you”. Forgive, as Christ has forgiven you. Forgiveness is the flip side of the love coin (John 15:12; 13:35). You cannot forgive someone without love, and you cannot love someone without forgiveness. Forgiveness is to return back to love (Matt 6:14; Luke 15:11-32). Forgiveness is a core calling of ours.
Closing
We must learn to hold up, bear with, and endure with one another through the process. Will you continue Jesus’ teaching and be part of His forgiveness ministry? Will you continue Jesus’ teaching and be part of His healing ministry by forgiving those who sin against you?
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