Embracing Gratitude: The Power of Giving and Forgiving

 

Summary

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude and the profound connection between giving and forgiving. This season reminds us of the spiritual community that has formed, providing meaning and hope in our lives. The words "thanksgiving" and "forgiving" are deeply intertwined, both rooted in the concept of giving. Today, we are invited to give thanks to God for His immense gift of forgiveness.

Miroslav Volf, in his book "Free of Charge," discusses three postures we can adopt in life: taking, getting, and giving. Taking involves acquiring what doesn't belong to us, while getting focuses on accumulating possessions. However, the posture of giving is about living generously, contributing to others, and blessing them. This mirrors God's nature, as seen in Genesis, where creation is an act of divine generosity. God gave humanity everything, yet Adam chose to take, leading to the fall.

Similarly, when it comes to forgiving, we can seek revenge, pursue justice, or choose forgiveness. Forgiveness, like generosity, is an unnatural act, yet it is essential for breaking cycles of "ungrace" that plague our world. Historical conflicts, such as those in Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and the Middle East, are fueled by generations of ungrace. Living in forgiveness is a daily experience in God's kingdom, where we bet everything on grace and love, as Jesus did on the cross.

The journey of forgiveness requires humility and courage. It involves empathizing with those who have wronged us, acknowledging our own sins, and being honest about our pain. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongdoing but about being courageously authentic and engaging in difficult conversations. It is a journey that we can only undertake with God's help.

Even when someone does not repent or show remorse, we are called to forgive from the heart and leave vengeance to God. This is living in the kingdom, where forgiveness and grace are offered freely. The promise of Scripture assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. On this Thanksgiving, may it also be a day of forgiving, as we continue on the path to becoming forgiving people, embracing the unnatural grace that God offers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Thanksgiving and forgiving are deeply connected through the act of giving. Embracing a posture of giving, rather than taking or getting, aligns us with God's generous nature, as seen in creation. This posture invites us to live with a spirit of generosity and bless others. [01:29]

2. Forgiveness is an unnatural act that breaks the cycle of "ungrace" in our world. Historical conflicts often stem from generations of ungrace, highlighting the need for forgiveness as a daily practice in God's kingdom. [03:50]

3. The journey of forgiveness requires humility and courage. It involves empathizing with those who have wronged us, acknowledging our own sins, and engaging in honest, difficult conversations. This journey is only possible with God's help. [07:36]

4. Even when someone does not repent, we are called to forgive from the heart and leave vengeance to God. This act of forgiveness is a reflection of living in the kingdom, where grace is offered freely. [09:07]

5. The promise of Scripture assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. On Thanksgiving, let it also be a day of forgiving, as we embrace the grace that God offers and continue on the path to becoming forgiving people. [10:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:42] - Thanksgiving and Community
- [00:59] - Connection Between Thanksgiving and Forgiving
- [01:29] - Three Postures: Taking, Getting, Giving
- [02:16] - God's Generosity in Creation
- [02:41] - Adam's Choice: Taking vs. Giving
- [02:58] - Dynamics of Forgiving
- [03:50] - Unnatural Act of Forgiveness
- [04:18] - Historical Roots of Ungrace
- [04:47] - Daily Experience of Forgiveness
- [05:02] - Jesus' Example of Giving
- [05:33] - Invitation to a Forgiving Life
- [06:00] - Biosphere Experiment and Ungrace
- [07:36] - Humility and Courage in Forgiveness
- [09:07] - Forgiving Without Repentance
- [10:11] - No Condemnation in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:29-30 - God's generosity in creation.
2. Romans 8:1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the connection between thanksgiving and forgiving? [00:59]
2. What are the three postures of life mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the concept of giving? [01:29]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three responses we can have when someone wrongs us? [02:58]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "ungrace" with historical examples? [03:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living with a posture of giving aligns us with God's nature as seen in Genesis? [02:16]
2. How does the sermon explain the unnatural nature of forgiveness, and why is it essential for breaking cycles of "ungrace"? [03:50]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of humility and courage in the journey of forgiveness? [07:36]
4. How does the sermon interpret the promise of Romans 8:1 in the context of forgiveness and grace? [10:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you tend to take or get rather than give? How can you shift towards a posture of giving this week? [01:29]
2. Think of a situation where you have been wronged. What steps can you take to move towards forgiveness, even if the other person has not shown remorse? [09:07]
3. The sermon mentions the need for humility and courage in forgiveness. Can you identify a relationship where you need to practice these qualities? What would that look like? [07:36]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of daily forgiveness into your life, as suggested by the sermon? What might be a first step? [04:47]
5. The sermon talks about the promise of no condemnation in Christ. How does this assurance impact your view of forgiveness, both for yourself and others? [10:11]
6. Identify a historical or personal example of "ungrace" that resonates with you. How can you contribute to breaking that cycle in your context? [03:50]
7. On this Thanksgiving, how can you make it a day of both giving thanks and forgiving? What specific actions can you take to embody this dual focus? [10:29]

Devotional

Day 1: The Generosity of Giving and Forgiving
Embracing a posture of giving aligns us with God's generous nature, as seen in creation. Thanksgiving and forgiving are deeply connected through the act of giving. When we choose to give rather than take or get, we reflect God's generosity and bless others. This posture invites us to live with a spirit of generosity, mirroring the divine act of creation where God gave humanity everything. By living generously, we not only enrich the lives of others but also cultivate a community of gratitude and hope. [01:29]

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:25, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice generosity today, not just in material terms but also in your time and attention towards others?


Day 2: Breaking the Cycle of Ungrace
Forgiveness is an unnatural act that breaks the cycle of "ungrace" in our world. Historical conflicts often stem from generations of ungrace, highlighting the need for forgiveness as a daily practice in God's kingdom. By choosing forgiveness over revenge or justice, we disrupt the patterns of bitterness and resentment that plague our relationships and communities. This act of grace is essential for healing and reconciliation, allowing us to live in the freedom and peace that God intends for us. [03:50]

"Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." (Proverbs 20:22, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you are holding onto resentment. How can you begin to break the cycle of ungrace by choosing forgiveness today?


Day 3: The Courageous Journey of Forgiveness
The journey of forgiveness requires humility and courage. It involves empathizing with those who have wronged us, acknowledging our own sins, and engaging in honest, difficult conversations. This journey is only possible with God's help, as it demands a level of vulnerability and authenticity that can be challenging to embrace. By stepping into this journey, we open ourselves to the transformative power of grace, allowing God to work in and through us to bring healing and restoration. [07:36]

"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a person you need to forgive. What steps can you take today to begin this courageous journey of forgiveness with God's help?


Day 4: Forgiving Without Repentance
Even when someone does not repent, we are called to forgive from the heart and leave vengeance to God. This act of forgiveness is a reflection of living in the kingdom, where grace is offered freely. By choosing to forgive, we release ourselves from the burden of bitterness and entrust justice to God, who is the ultimate judge. This posture of forgiveness allows us to experience the freedom and peace that comes from living in alignment with God's will. [09:07]

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" (Romans 12:19, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive, even if they haven't shown remorse? How can you release this burden to God and find peace in His justice?


Day 5: Embracing Grace on Thanksgiving
The promise of Scripture assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. On Thanksgiving, let it also be a day of forgiving, as we embrace the grace that God offers and continue on the path to becoming forgiving people. By living in this grace, we reflect the love and mercy of Christ, who forgave us even when we were undeserving. This Thanksgiving, let us commit to being vessels of grace, extending forgiveness and love to those around us. [10:11]

"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make Thanksgiving a day of both gratitude and forgiveness, extending grace to those who may not deserve it?

Quotes



Thanksgiving is when it started about 3 years ago and it has provided so much meaning and hope and richness and um depth in my own life and for me and ncy so thank you thanks for watching this I want to talk about the link today between thank Thanksgiving and forgiving those words obviously are deeply related to each other and they're deeply connected by that notion of giving and then I want to invite me and you today to spend a little time giving thanks to God being thankful for being forgiven by God and for his great gift of forgiveness. [00:00:42]

Marl wolf in his book free of charge talks about the connection between those two words he talks about how when it comes to forgiving to giving there's basically three postures that we can take to life I can try to take what doesn't actually belong to me steal it snatch it or I can take a posture of getting I don't try to acquire something illegitimately but I make my life mostly about what do I possess what can I acquire control and enjoy or I can assume a posture of giving where my ultimate hope in life is to be able to make contributions and to live with a generous spirit and to release and to bless other people. [00:01:29]

And he says we see that if we look back in Genesis how God is a God who loves to give creation is an an act of outrageous generosity on God's part and part of what God says to the man and woman back in the garden is I give you every tree there's that one that is marked off that's an expression of willingness to be obedient to live within the limits of God's will but I give you I give you everything the whole world is yours but then what we see with Adam the first Adam is he was not content with that he did not choose a posture of giving but ultimately he wanted to take he wanted to snatch and the forbidden fruit that act of taking. [00:02:16]

So on Thanksgiving Day we think about living with a posture of uh generosity and giving towards others to be thankful then when it comes to forgiving there's a similar three-part Dynamic mirav writes uh when I'm hurt by somebody I I can seek um Revenge that's where I want to hurt him I want to make him hurt I want to make him feel bad or I can simply seek Justice that's kind of connected to the idea of getting vengeance is like taking it's doing what is illegitimate uh I can just want Justice to be done so I want the other person to suffer whatever the appropriate penalty is or I can forgive and to forgive is also an act of generosity. [00:02:58]

Forgiveness like generosity is an unnatural act and we get trapped in generations of what he calls UNG Grace if you ask a bomb throwing teenager in Northern Ireland a machete wielder wielding soldier in Rwanda or a sniper in the former Yugoslavia why they're killing they may not even know Ireland still seeking revenge for atrocities Oliver quamwell committed in the 17th century Rwanda and bundai uring on tribal feuds that extend long past anyone's memory Yugoslavia is avenging memories from World War II trying to prevent a replay of what happened six centuries ago and we think about the historical roots of what is happening right now in the Middle East between Israeli and Palestinian or in the Ukraine. [00:03:50]

UNG Grace plays like the background static of life for families Nations and institutions it is sadly our natural human state so now as we think about living in forgiveness this is not just an occasional isolated act this is a daily experience of life in the kingdom of God where we are betting it all on Grace where we are betting it all on love that's what Jesus did particularly when when he went to the cross I mentioned how the first Adam in the garden chose taking I will have this fruit the second Adam in the Garden of Gethsemane chose giving I will lay down my life for everybody and he risked it all you know if he if he was still in the Tomb nobody except maybe a few historians would have ever heard the name Jesus of Nazareth. [00:04:47]

But he risked it all on the kingdom and received the resurrection poured himself out for all of us that's what we're doing when we are giving and forgiving as a way of life we are seeking discovering the Kingdom so the invitation now at the end of this journey together is to make the decision to seek to become each day a forgiving grace-filled generous person we can practice it all the time yansy goes on to describe UNG Grace I want share a me with two scientists who had just emerged from the glass en closed biosphere near Tucson Arizona four men for women volunteered for the 2-year isolation experiment all were accomplished scientists brilliant people underwent psychological testing preparation all entered the biosphere fully briefed on the rigors they would face while sealed off from the outside world. [00:05:33]

The scientists told me that within a matter of months the eight bionaut had split in the two groups of four and during the final months of the experiment these two groups refused to speak to each other eight people lived in a bubble split in half by an invisible wall of ungracefully disconnected with the size of our IQ he goes on Frank re an American hostage held in Lebanon disclosed upon his release he had not spoken to one of his fellow hostages for several months following some minor dispute most of that time the two feuding hostages had been chained together this is not refusing to speak to a captor this is refusing to speak to a fellow hostage. [00:06:00]

I have been struck on this journey together uh how it is a journey that requires deep humility I I must empathize with the one who has done wrong or that I feel like has done wrong to me because I also am a sinner I have done great wrong in my life and at the same time it requires Great courage I got to be willing to be honest with you to forgive someone includes um knowing that what took place is at least in part not excusable it needs to be forgiven it means I need to be courageously authentic in my relationship with you and name it when I'm hurt and be willing to plunge into a difficult messy conversation that would be easier to avoid requires becoming a certain kind of person that we become only with God's help. [00:07:36]

I can't he can I think I'll let him I want to respond to one other question just got this one uh today in an email from somebody who has been on this journey and has a real painful relationship with a family member um who has no interest in wanting to be forgiven doesn't think that they need to be forgiven although they have done great harm they could care less what do you do with somebody when they do not repent they do not confess they show No Remorse there's a wonderful ancient document of uh in the Jewish tradition called the Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs and it says this LC Mees writes about it in his book if a man sin against thee if he repent and confess forgive him but if he be Shameless and persiste in his wrongdoing even so forgive him from the heart and leave to God the avenging. [00:09:07]

You may not ever be be able to reconcile with that one but to forgive to offer the gift of forgiveness and Grace and release that's to live in the Kingdom God thank you that you forgive us I I've had repeated conversations had one today with somebody who who uh is in the grip of an inability to forgive themselves for some very dark stuff in a way that feels permanent but the promise of the scripture is that there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus there is no sin for which God's ability to forgive it is not greater ask my prayer for you on this Thanksgiving may it also be a day of forgiving thank you for going on this journey with me and my prayer for you and for me is that we can continue to be on the road to becoming forgiving people for the rest of our lives because to hurt is natural but to forgive is unnatural it's Grace forgive us our debts as we forgive give our debtors. [00:10:11]

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Transcript
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