Introduction
Last week we saw some theological reasons as to why we need to forgive:
- In order to receive the forgiveness of God. (Matt 6:14-15)
- Even before worship.(Matt 5:23-24)
- Our prayers may not be hindered (1 Pet 3:7)
- To become like the Father (Matt 5:43-48)
- We release ourselves from being judge and allow God to do as He pleases in the love of the one we forgive.(Rom 12:14-21).
This week let’s look at some practical reasons:
- Forgiveness alone breaks the cycle of blame and pain.
- Forgiveness offers a way out-allows the relationship to start over, to begin anew. If not, we remain bound to the people we cannot forgive.
- Not to forgive imprisons us to the past and locks out all potential for change. We yield control to another and doom ourselves to all consequences of the wrong.
- It looses the stranglehold of guilt in us (Rom 4:7-8; 5:1).
- When we ask God for forgiveness and ask forgiveness of the one we've sinned against, we feel such a relieve. An opportunity to start over.
- Fellowship is restored both with God and one another (1 Jn 1:7-9).
- Helps us to realize that we are no different from the one we accuse. (parable of the unforgiving servant Matt 18:23-35))
- Jesus lived among us (mankind) and identified with us. He knew it was difficult to forgive and understood this completely when He said, “if it's possible, take this cup away from me...” However, in the end He realized that there was no other way to identify but to say “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Should we not also forgive?
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