Thesis: Understanding the "mercies of God" ought to produce forgiveness
There are benefits of forgiveness and negative effects of holding a grudge according to secular research.
1. The parable of the two debtors. "I will repay you everything." Matthew 18:34-35 35 "So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."
2. The end of the Lord's Prayer: Mt 6:12-15 >Forgiveness is a fruit of salvation, not a requisite to be saved. >An unforgiving spirit is a sign of not having understood and embraced the Gospel Caveat: >People confuse unforgiveness with feeling the pain & stoic resilient >Forgiveness "is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge
3. What is forgiveness in our text? >Negatively: Do not get even >Positively: Be a Peace-Maker >Negatively: Do not seek revenge. >Positively: Do good to those who oppose you. >Keep eternity in mind: win forever by losing now.
4. Do you feel the pressure? I do! >This is the Gospel! Love your neighbor as yourself! >This is Jesus' New Commandment! Love one another as I have loved you. >The commandment always has three purposes. -It condemns and crushes us -It points us to the only One who kept it and embodies it perfectly -It shows us the beauty of God's character and the goodness of His ways >Jesus received insults, rejection and hatred, yet He healed the sick, fed the hungry, raised the dead and died to save His enemies. >Do not seek revenge, be at peace, do good to all … Jesus did it for us. >It is not a once and for all experience, but a daily, conscious decision.
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