FORGIVENESS IN LOVE:: Shared By Arms

Scripture Reading - Luke 15:11-32

Introduction.
Forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive.

Forgiveness does not come easy for most of us.

The Scripture says in Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)

How do we forgive when we don't feel like it?
This is how we do it............We forgive by faith, out of obedience. Since forgiveness goes against our nature, we must forgive by faith, whether we feel like it or not.

Matthew 18:21-22 says...........Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)

Many times we get worked up if we forgive someone then they repeat same mistakes again and again. This is what breaks friendships, relationships etc.

Jesus said……..Seventy-Seven times! It does not sound practical..Does it?

This answer by Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not easy for us. It's not a one-time choice and then we automatically live in a state of forgiveness. Forgiveness may require a lifetime of forgiving, but it is important to the Lord. We must continue forgiving until the matter is settled in our heart.

Why must we forgive?
The best reason to forgive is because Jesus commanded us to forgive. We learn from Scripture, if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven:
Now Forgiveness brings a condition....if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven.

Matthew 6:14-16……………………………… For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)

We also forgive so that our prayers will not be hindered: Mark 11:25 …………………….And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV)

Now we understand what hinders answers prayer!


BACK TO OUR SERMON Luke 15:11-32

Jesus tells the story of a man who has two sons. The younger son asks his father to give him his portion of the family estate as an early inheritance.

We love asking.........

NB: Once received, the son promptly sets off on a long journey to a distant land (Away from the Father) and begins to waste his fortune on wild living.

My dear friends….be careful on the action u take after God blesses you.
Be careful on the life you lead after the miracle..
Watch over the world and generation of fun and merry..

The bible records…….he went to a distant land.

After the job, business, money, family, friends that God gave you, do you find time for fellowship?
Do you consistently attend church?
Is your faith walk in order?
How is your testimony?

The Prodigal son went away….

My bible records…..When the money runs out, a severe famine hits the country and the son finds himself in dire circumstances…..He takes a job feeding pigs. He is so destitute that he even longs to eat the food assigned to the pigs. (Desperate situation).

When the money runs out,.....................The young man finally comes to his senses, remembering
his father.
When the job, the contract, the internship comes to an end…
When the girl/man you loved so much walks away…
When your health deteriorates….
When your bank account reads negative……..

How are your senses concerning your relationship with God… The young man finally came to his senses, remembering his father…..he decided to go back.

In humility, he recognizes his foolishness.

Money n wealth has made people lose senses for the father......

NB: The father had been watching and waiting……….just like our God will do for a sinner.

The Son comes back and asks for forgiveness.

Forgiveness is born out of mercy, Mercy is provoked by love.

You cannot forgive when you don’t love….John 3:16…For God so loved the world…

God Loved, then Sent the Son. The son was to come, die n buy forgiveness of our sins with blood……..

If u can’t recognize the Love, you can’t ask for forgiveness.

The Son knew that the father loved him, and was ready to receive him.

Are you ready for God? Do you care about your life? Are you tired with your life?

God is ready to forgive us.

Think abt your life for a moment..............Is it in order?

Are you worth forgiveness?

Lessons

- A son would receive his inheritance at the time of his father's death.
- For the Prodigal son to ask early, shows his rebellious and proud disregard for his father's authority,
- Selfish and immature attitude.
- Pigs were unclean animals.
- Jews were not even allowed to touch pigs.
- It reveals that he had fallen as low as he could possibly go.
- This son represents a person living in rebellion to God.
- The father is a picture of the Heavenly Father.
- God is patient, loving and full of compassion to restore us when we return to him with humble hearts.
- He offers us everything in his kingdom, restoring full relationship with joyful celebration. As this father ordered for a fatted calf to be slaughtered…..Calves have soft meat….I miss their meat.
- Once we come back to Him, He doesn't even dwell on our past waywardness..

Forgiveness in Love.

Shared by Arms At the Mwafrika chatroom on Friday Feb 5, 2010