Vanishing Series -- Forginess

Vanishing Series -- Forginess

Vanishing through hidden sin. Hidden sin causes the important things in our lives to vanish. To erode from the inside out! The damaged that sin does is not just to the committer. The consequences are often times great for the one the sin was committed against! Our doesn't just effect us but has a domino effect to the people around us!

This is why the offer of grace from God is so refreshing! We all love to hear about Gods grace. To receive Gods grace. We are always very excited to receive forgiveness from God. Sometimes it is hard to have that same enthusiasm over giving grace. Receiving grace is one thing but giving grace to another is completely different.

We all have a sinful desire to hold a grudge. To give grace and mercy we have to put to death our sinful nature. We all love the unconditional love that God lavishes on us but his grace at the same time is conditional.

Matthew 6:12; 14-15

God is watching how I forgive others! Gods grace and mercy is conditional and depends at some level on how I forgive others. Tough teaching! If I forgive I will be forgiven. If I chose not to forgive I will not be forgiven!

Matthew 18:21-27

How many times is seventy seven times? How much money was forgiven by the master? Each quantity is infinite! There is no way the servant could have paid the debt back. The servant who is owed a reasonable debt refuses to forgive! God promises torment for the one that refuses to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Jesus uses this story to show what we are like when we have been forgiven billions and refuses to forgive others the small infractions that are committed against us!

So what is forgiveness as defined by God? A conscience and deliberate action to forgive regardless of whether or not the person receiving our forgiveness deserves it or not! Unconditional forgiveness with complete disregard for justice or fairness!

Why would I forgive?

God commands it.
Forgiveness makes you happier.
Forgiveness saves relationships.
Forgiveness strengthens marriage.
Forgiveness heals wounds.

True forgiveness comes from us when Gods grace works powerfully in our lives. It's not because we are good at letting things go or are a forgiving person. We have the power to forgive when we see the power of Gods grace and mercy in our own life!