Embracing the Supernatural Call to Forgiveness

Today’s focus is on the supernatural call to forgiveness—a call that stands in stark contrast to our natural instincts. In a world where holding grudges, seeking revenge, and living in bitterness come easily, the invitation is to open our hands and hearts, moving from clenched fists to a posture of surrender. Forgiveness is not just a suggestion; it is a command that Jesus places above even our most sacrificial gifts. When we come before God, He asks us to prioritize reconciliation with others, even above our acts of worship or service. People matter more than offerings, and relationships are at the heart of God’s desire for us.

Forgiveness is costly. It is not fair, nor is it about forgetting the pain or pretending the hurt never happened. Instead, forgiveness is a voluntary act of suffering—a decision to absorb the cost of wrongdoing rather than demanding repayment. This is not a natural response; it is supernatural, mirroring the grace God has shown us in Christ. We are called to cancel the debt others owe us, just as God has canceled ours. This does not always restore relationships to what they once were, but it does set us free from the prison of bitterness and resentment.

The story of Joseph in Genesis 50 illustrates this beautifully. Betrayed, sold, and left for dead by his brothers, Joseph had every right to seek revenge. Yet, when given the chance, he chose to forgive, recognizing that while others meant evil, God used it for good. Joseph’s forgiveness was not just words; he provided for his brothers and spoke kindly to them, embodying the supernatural nature of true forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not a feeling but a decision—one that often precedes any sense of peace. It is a choice to trust God with justice and to relinquish our right to get even. The world is watching, and the most powerful testimony of Christ’s love is not found in sermons or books, but in lives that choose to forgive. As Christ’s ambassadors, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, reflecting the grace we have received to a world desperate for hope and healing.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Forgiveness is a supernatural act that requires us to move beyond our natural instincts of self-protection and retaliation. It is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, as we open our hands and hearts to God’s transforming work. This act of grace sets us free from the bondage of bitterness and allows us to experience true spiritual freedom. [11:03]
• 2. Jesus teaches that reconciliation with others takes precedence over religious offerings or acts of service. God values relationships above all else, and unresolved conflict hinders our worship and spiritual growth. We are called to leave our gifts at the altar and pursue peace with those who have hurt us, making people the priority in God’s kingdom. [12:42]
• 3. Forgiveness always comes at a cost; it is a voluntary choice to absorb the pain and relinquish the right to repayment or revenge. This mirrors the costly grace we have received from God, who forgave us at great personal expense. True forgiveness is not about fairness, but about reflecting the heart of Christ, who suffered for our sake. [23:04]
• 4. The story of Joseph demonstrates that forgiveness is not about forgetting the wrongs done to us, but about choosing to see God’s redemptive hand even in our deepest wounds. Joseph’s ability to forgive his brothers was rooted in his trust that God could bring good out of evil, and his willingness to provide for those who had harmed him. This kind of forgiveness is a mark of spiritual maturity and trust in God’s sovereignty. [33:07]
• 5. Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling, and often must be made before any sense of peace arrives. By choosing to forgive, we open the door for God’s healing and reconciliation, both in our hearts and in our relationships. Our willingness to forgive becomes a powerful witness to the world, showing the reality of Christ’s love and the hope of the gospel in action. [24:41]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [09:38] - Prayer for Grieving and the Isolated
• [11:03] - The Supernatural Challenge of Forgiveness
• [11:33] - Conducting an Anger Audit
• [12:42] - Jesus’ Priority: People Over Offerings
• [19:49] - The Cost and Voluntary Suffering of Forgiveness
• [20:40] - Defining Forgiveness: Canceling the Debt
• [22:01] - Forgiveness Is Not Forgetting
• [23:04] - The True Cost of Forgiveness
• [24:41] - Forgiveness as a Decision, Not a Feeling
• [25:45] - Joseph’s Story: Family Dysfunction and Betrayal
• [30:34] - Joseph’s Response: Weeping and Choosing Grace
• [33:07] - Trusting God’s Justice and Seeing His Goodness
• [33:59] - The Supernatural Nature of Forgiveness
• [35:43] - Modern Example: Monty Williams’ Forgiveness
• [38:36] - Ambassadors of Reconciliation
• [39:49] - Responding to the Holy Spirit’s Call to Forgive
• [40:31] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Forgive

Bible Reading

Genesis 50:15-21 (ESV) — 15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.”
16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died:
17 ‘Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV) — 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 50, what do Joseph’s brothers fear after their father dies, and how do they approach Joseph about it?
2. According to Matthew 5:23-24, what does Jesus say should take priority over religious offerings?
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the “order” Jesus gives when it comes to gifts and relationships? ([12:42])
4. How does Joseph respond emotionally and practically to his brothers’ request for forgiveness? ([30:34])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus places reconciliation with others above bringing gifts or acts of service to God? What does this reveal about God’s priorities? ([12:42])
2. The pastor describes forgiveness as “voluntary suffering” and “canceling the debt.” Why is forgiveness described this way, and how does it reflect what God has done for us? ([23:04])
3. Joseph says, “Am I in the place of God?” when his brothers ask for forgiveness. What does this statement mean about our role in seeking justice or revenge? ([33:07])
4. The sermon says forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. Why is it important to make the decision to forgive before feeling peace? ([24:41])

Application Questions

1. The pastor asked everyone to do an “anger audit.” Who comes to mind when you think about unresolved anger or hurt in your life? What would it look like to take a first step toward forgiveness with that person? ([11:33])
2. Jesus says to leave your gift at the altar and go be reconciled. Is there someone you need to reach out to before you continue with your regular acts of worship or service? What’s holding you back? ([12:42])
3. Forgiveness is described as costly and unfair. Can you think of a time when you forgave someone even though it didn’t feel fair? How did that decision affect you? ([23:04])
4. Joseph’s story shows that forgiveness doesn’t always restore relationships to what they once were, but it does set us free. Is there a relationship in your life where forgiveness might not mean full restoration, but could still bring freedom from bitterness? ([24:05])
5. The sermon says that forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. What practical steps can you take this week to choose forgiveness, even if you don’t feel ready? ([24:41])
6. The world is watching how Christians handle forgiveness. How might your decision to forgive someone be a testimony to others about Christ’s love? ([38:36])
7. The pastor shared a modern example of forgiveness (Monty Williams). Is there a story of forgiveness—either from your own life or someone you know—that has inspired you? How can you let that example encourage you to take a step toward forgiveness this week? ([35:43])