Embracing Forgiveness: The Path to Freedom

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I shared the transformative power of forgiveness and the freedom it brings to our lives. I began by emphasizing that the Spirit of the Lord has anointed us to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and open prison doors to those who are bound. I highlighted that unforgiveness is like a prison, and through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we can be set free from the chains that bind us.

I discussed the nature of unforgiveness, comparing it to a boomerang that comes back to hit us harder than when it was thrown. Forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others; it's a process—a journey that we must embark on for our own well-being. Acknowledging that we are prisoners to our grudges and resentments is the first step toward freedom.

I shared a powerful story of Mary Johnson, who forgave the young man, O'Shea Israel, who killed her son. This extreme act of forgiveness serves as a testament to the healing power of forgiveness and the peace it can bring to our lives.

I then led the congregation in a prayer of salvation, inviting those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to do so, emphasizing the importance of receiving God's forgiveness to be able to forgive others.

I addressed long-time believers, urging them to break free from the prisons of unforgiveness that cause despair. I called them to a bold act of faith, to stand and come forward, to release their resentment and embrace the freedom Christ offers.

I explained that forgiveness is not a suggestion but a command from Jesus. It is not about becoming a doormat or subjecting oneself to abuse, but about responding to offenses in a way that leads to victory rather than victimhood.

I emphasized the importance of daily forgiveness, as instructed by Jesus in the Lord's Prayer, and the need to plant seeds of faith from God's word in our hearts. I encouraged the congregation to not keep score of wrongs but to lose count, as forgiveness is about releasing, not tallying offenses.

Finally, I discussed the seven prisons of unforgiveness: emotional distress, relational strain, physical health issues, inability to move forward, missed opportunities, self-destructive behavior, and spiritual and moral consequences. I urged the congregation to let go of resentment and allow the Holy Spirit to restore their peace.

Key Takeaways:

- Forgiveness is a divine command, not a mere suggestion. It is an act of obedience to God, who forgives us and expects us to extend the same grace to others. This obedience is not about ignoring justice or allowing repeated harm, but about freeing our hearts from the bondage of bitterness and resentment. [01:09:34]

- Forgiveness is a process that requires faith. We must ask the Holy Spirit to increase our faith to forgive those who have wronged us. This faith allows us to see beyond our offenses and view others through the lens of God's love and mercy. It is a faith that can uproot deep-seated unforgiveness and plant the seeds of healing and reconciliation. [01:11:38]

- Worship and praise are powerful tools in the journey of forgiveness. When we lift our hands and voices in worship, we create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can work within us to release the grip of unforgiveness. It is in these moments of surrender that we can truly let go and let God take control of the situations that have caused us pain. [01:14:27]

- Unanswered questions can lead to a deeper trust in God. When we do not understand why certain things happen, it is an opportunity to lean into our faith and trust that God will make all things beautiful in His time. This trust is essential for forgiving when answers are not readily available, and it helps us to avoid the trap of resentment towards God or others. [49:04]

- Forgiveness is not about keeping score; it's about losing count. We must approach forgiveness with the understanding that it is not a finite resource but an infinite gift from God. By embracing this mindset, we can avoid the pitfalls of tallying wrongs and instead focus on the transformative power of grace in our lives and relationships. [01:17:21]

In conclusion, forgiveness is a journey that liberates us from the prisons of unforgiveness. It is a process that requires faith, worship, and a deep trust in God. By embracing forgiveness, we can experience the peace and freedom that God desires for each of us.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
2. Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
3. Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 61:1, what are the specific tasks that the Spirit of the Lord has anointed us to do?
2. In Matthew 18:21-22, how does Jesus respond to Peter's question about the number of times we should forgive someone?
3. What does Ephesians 4:32 instruct us to do in our relationships with one another?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the passage in Isaiah 61:1 relate to the concept of forgiveness discussed in the sermon? How does it illustrate the freedom that comes with forgiveness? [01:01:28]
2. Why do you think Jesus emphasized forgiving "seventy-seven times" in Matthew 18:21-22? What does this suggest about the nature of forgiveness? [45:13]
3. How does Ephesians 4:32 connect the act of forgiving others to the forgiveness we have received from Christ? What does this imply about our responsibility to forgive? [01:16:31]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt imprisoned by unforgiveness. How did it affect your emotional, physical, or spiritual well-being? What steps can you take to begin the process of forgiveness? [54:46]
2. The sermon mentioned the story of Mary Johnson, who forgave the man who killed her son. How can her example inspire you to forgive someone in your life who has deeply hurt you? [01:03:30]
3. Jesus commands us to forgive not just once, but repeatedly. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive multiple times? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you in this process? [01:11:38]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of daily forgiveness as part of our prayer life. How can you incorporate forgiveness into your daily prayers, especially when praying the Lord's Prayer? [01:15:03]
5. Think about the seven prisons of unforgiveness mentioned in the sermon. Which one resonates most with your current situation? What practical steps can you take to break free from this prison? [54:01]
6. The sermon emphasized not keeping score of wrongs but losing count. How can you practice this in your relationships, especially with those closest to you? [01:17:21]
7. Worship and praise were mentioned as powerful tools in the journey of forgiveness. How can you use worship to help release unforgiveness and invite the Holy Spirit to work in your heart? [01:14:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience in Forgiveness Unlocks Grace
Forgiveness is not merely a kind suggestion; it is a divine imperative that reflects the heart of God's commandments. When one chooses to forgive, they are not simply letting go of a personal grudge; they are actively participating in the divine nature, which is inherently gracious and forgiving. This act of obedience is transformative, liberating the forgiver from the heavy chains of bitterness and resentment. It is not about ignoring the wrongs that have been done or allowing oneself to be repeatedly harmed. Instead, it is about freeing one's heart to experience the fullness of God's love and to extend that same love to others, even those who have caused pain. By doing so, one aligns their actions with the will of God, who forgave humanity's transgressions through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ [07:40].

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Reflection: How can you practice obedience to God's command to forgive in a situation where you feel wronged?

Day 2: Faith as the Foundation for Forgiveness
The journey of forgiveness is not one that can be undertaken in one's own strength; it requires a faith that is deeply rooted in the belief that God's love and mercy are greater than any offense. This faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to forgive as they have been forgiven. It is a faith that looks beyond the immediate pain of betrayal or hurt and sees the potential for healing and reconciliation. When faith is present, even the most deep-seated unforgiveness can be uprooted, and the seeds of forgiveness can be planted in its place. This faith does not deny the reality of the hurt but chooses to respond to it with a love that reflects the heart of God [11:38].

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you ask the Holy Spirit to increase your faith to forgive someone who has deeply hurt you?

Day 3: Worship as the Pathway to Forgiveness
Worship and praise are not just acts of adoration; they are powerful spiritual practices that can shift the atmosphere of the heart towards forgiveness. When believers lift their hands and voices in genuine worship, they create a space for the Holy Spirit to work within them, softening hardened hearts and loosening the grip of unforgiveness. It is in these moments of surrender, when the focus shifts from self to the Savior, that the chains of resentment can be broken. Worship becomes a conduit for divine grace, allowing believers to let go of their pain and embrace the healing that comes from God's presence [14:27].

"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." - Mark 11:25 ESV

Reflection: How can incorporating worship into your daily routine help you release unforgiveness and experience God's peace?

Day 4: Trusting God Beyond Our Understanding
Forgiveness often requires believers to trust God even when they do not understand why certain events have occurred. This trust is not passive; it is an active reliance on God's sovereignty and goodness, believing that He will bring beauty from ashes in His perfect timing. When answers are elusive, and the reasons behind the pain are unclear, trust in God becomes the anchor that prevents the soul from drifting into resentment. It is this trust that enables one to forgive without having all the questions answered, resting in the knowledge that God's ways are higher than human ways [49:04].

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where unanswered questions are hindering forgiveness, and how can you choose to trust God in that situation?

Day 5: Infinite Forgiveness Reflects God's Nature
Forgiveness is not a finite resource to be rationed but an infinite gift that flows from the heart of God. When believers embrace this truth, they move beyond the mentality of keeping score of wrongs and enter into the liberating practice of losing count. This perspective is not about ignoring the pain caused by others but about recognizing that forgiveness is a reflection of God's boundless grace. As one releases the tally of offenses, they open their hearts to the transformative power of grace, which can renew relationships and bring healing to the soul [17:21].

"Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take to stop keeping score of wrongs and start embodying the infinite forgiveness that God offers?

Quotes

"you see Jesus's math is not like our math if you're going to count the times people are going to hurt you or sin against you you'll actually have to lose count on how many times you're going to need to have the faith to forgive so that you don't get stuck in unforgiveness you're going to have to live from the revelation of what Jesus Christ did for you and I" [01:20:04]( | | )

"this morning because I've got good news for you the spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach Tidings to the poor he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted to Proclaim Liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound if you are bound in the prison of unforgiveness I have good news for you this morning Jesus and the power of the holy spirit is here to set you free" [01:01:28]( | | )

"you see unforgiveness somebody once said is like a boomerang it comes back and hits you harder than the one who threw it again forgiveness does not condone the actions of others rather whether it's a process everybody say process proc it takes time but you got to start somewhere some of you this morning you've just got to acknowledge that you are behind bars that you are a prisoner being held hostage because of the grudges because of the resentment and God wants to release you from that this morning" [01:02:07]( | | )

"you see forgiveness is not a suggestion it's a command Pastor Dean I thought you said a couple weeks ago we were not called to be doormats for Jesus this sounds like a doormat to me seven times Pastor deed this person offends me and it feels like it's on purpose anybody been there before it's like they're not even trying to hide it they're like Boop I've had enough Lord I'm not going forgiveness is not choosing to remain or keep subjecting yourself to abusive Behavior or an unsafe situation" [01:09:34]( | | )

"you close the door on unforgiveness in your life the second thing is ask the Holy Spirit to increase your faith to forgive that verse I just read Jesus saying seven times in Luke 17: 5 and 7 right after Jesus lays that principle out you must forgive everybody say You must forgive here's the response of the disciples the apostles they say this Lord show us how to increase our faith he's talking about forgiveness and the apostles the disciples realize they don't have what it takes to forgive the Knuckleheads that they're fed up with" [01:11:38]( | | )

"this is why it's so powerful listen to to allow yourself to enter in to worship and praise don't be a spectator don't act like it's just words on a screen listen when we're declaring the Praises of God God's presence is in the room to help you get over the mountain of unforgiveness in your life and listen when you're standing in worshiping you don't have to wait for the message you don't have to wait for the pastor you don't have to wait for the prayer ministers at the end of the service listen right there in the middle of worship listen throw up your hands and give that person say God there I take them out of my my hands and I place them in your hands" [01:15:03]( | | )

"you see we need Faith to forgive how do I increase my faith to forgive the person or others who have hurt me failed me disappointed me sinned against me my family so that I don't fall victim to unforgiveness taking root in my life well Pastor Art did you guys enjoy Pastor Art last week listen he gave us a great summary of faith faith hears the word believes the word speaks the word acts on the word stands on the word and gives God praise for the word come on that what he said come on he will do you say Pastor it's not in me to forgive you're absolutely right and that's why you have to be intentional imp planting the seed of God's word in your life" [01:13:45]( | | )

"how in the world can somebody get themselves there his remarkable Mercy For You and I is unfathomable that when we have a revelation of what he's done for us it allows us to do the same for others when they don't deserve it they don't deserve your forgiveness but because of what he did for you it's his can we just lift our hands and just thank the Lord for his remarkable Mercy on our lives we should have been condemned to hell but by his Gra Grace and by his Mercy he gave us another chance" [01:07:11]( | | )

"so how do we get unlocked this morning I'm going to ask the worship team to begin to make their way to the platform because I sense his presence so strong in this room this morning you don't have to leave bound this morning listen you don't have to leave locked up this morning Jesus has the keys to release you from what's been tormenting you how do I get unlocked how do I get out of prison first stop the negotiations with God about your limitations" [01:07:53]( | | )

"you see many times we don't get an answer to our questions because we've already put our limitations on God by telling him our answers our limits and our restrictions we have a number two God I'll do it this many times but no more and the unwillingness to come to God with our unanswered question develops a trust between you and God that will help you and I pass any test when and where we don't have the answers" [48:13]( | | )

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Transcript
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