Main Thought
God created us to love Him and to one another. But we live in a fallen world where everyone sins. As a result, forgiving one another is a necessity. We forgive because Jesus forgave us first. Jesus offers forgiveness that is immediate and unconditional. He commands us to do the same. Forgiveness means that we release offenses, allow God to judge, and won’t use past offenses maliciously against the offending party. (It doesn’t mean immediate trust and restored relationship. Forgiveness is immediately given; trust is gradually earned.) If we don’t forgive others, then Jesus withholds forgiveness from us. It reveals that we don’t understand how much God forgave us from, and our relationship with Him becomes strained. Unforgiveness imprisons us. Forgiveness sets us free, while demonstrating the power of the Gospel to all who see it.
Main Passages
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.
32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
- Matthew 18:23-35 ESV
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you from last Sunday’s sermon, in the Main Thought, or in the Main Passages above?
Reflect on God’s forgiveness toward you. What does it mean to you?
Is there a situation in which you need to extend forgiveness to someone else? How might that play out practically for you? (You can be vague regarding names or other specifics, if that’s necessary or wise.)