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Harvester Church of the Nazarene

August 9, 2009

Pastor Harold Wedel

TODAY’S MESSAGE:

The Prayer of Release

Matthew 18:21-35

 

Why I Must Learn to Forgive

 

1.        Because God has forgiven me

 

“The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.” (Matthew 18:27, NIV)

 

“There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, NIV)

 

The Servant’s Reaction (Matthew 18:28-30)

 

Please Note:  When we don’t feel forgiven we tend to be unforgiving!

 

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

 

 

2.        Because resentment makes me miserable

 

“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’  In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured …” (Matthew 18:33-34, NIV)

 

“Some men stay happy until the day they die … others have no happiness at all; they live and die with bitter hearts.” (Job 21:23-25, GN)

 

Question:  Do I need to forgive anyone?

 

Three Tests                                                    

1)      The blame test

 

2)      The bitterness test

 

3)      The behavior test

 

 

“To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.” (Job 5:2, GN)

 

 

 

3.        Because I will need forgiveness again

 

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brothers from your heart.” (Matthew 18:35, NIV)

 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7, NIV)

 

Two Options When Hurt:    

                                   

1)      Rehearse                            

 

2)      Release

 

“Put your heart right, reach out to God … then face the world again, firm and courageous.  Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.” (Job 11:13-16. GN)