Preaching on Resentment Matthew 18:23-35
• The Lord Jesus Christ, in His immense love, died for our sins on the cross to reconcile us to God the Father, bridging the gap created by our transgressions (Romans 5:11).
• He who withholds forgiveness from others demonstrates a profound selfishness, having received the immeasurable gift of God's forgiveness yet being unwilling to extend that same grace to those who have wronged them.
• He who harbors unforgiveness demands a standard of perfection from others that he himself does not possess, forgetting his own need for God's mercy.
• He who refuses to forgive places himself in a precarious position before God, for he will be judged by the same measure he uses in judging others.
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1. SIGNS OF A PERSON WHO DOESN'T FORGIVE
• Desire to take justice into one's own hands: Instead of trusting in God's justice and timing, they feel compelled to seek their own retribution or ensure the offender is punished according to their own standards.
• A deep anguish: Unforgiveness breeds bitterness and resentment, leading to inner turmoil, emotional pain, and a persistent sense of unease.
• Serious difficulties in praying: A heart filled with unforgiveness creates a barrier between the individual and God, hindering their ability to connect with Him in prayer and experience His peace.
• Spirit and attitudes of irritation: They often exhibit a general negativity, easily becoming annoyed, critical, and holding onto offenses, both big and small.
2. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FORGIVING
• He does not receive God’s forgiveness – Luke 6:37: Jesus clearly stated, "Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Our willingness to extend forgiveness to others is directly linked to our experience of God's forgiveness in our own lives.
◦ Discussion: How does our unforgiving spirit hinder our relationship with God and our ability to receive His grace?
• Loses blessings – Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 3:8-12: Living in unforgiveness disrupts harmony with others and hinders the flow of God's blessings in our lives. Scripture encourages unity, compassion, and love among believers as pathways to receiving God's favor.
◦ Discussion: What specific blessings might we forfeit when we hold onto resentment and fail to live in peace with others?
• Give place to the Devil – Ephesians 4:26-27: Unresolved anger and bitterness create an opportunity for Satan to gain a foothold in our hearts and lives, leading to further negativity, division, and spiritual bondage.
◦ Discussion: How can unforgiveness become a gateway for the enemy to influence our thoughts, attitudes, and actions?
• There is an inability to participate fully in the Lord's Supper due to your compromised spiritual situation: The Lord's Supper is a symbol of unity and reconciliation in Christ. A heart harboring unforgiveness is not in a state of spiritual readiness to partake in this sacred meal in a meaningful way.
◦ Discussion: How does unforgiveness impact our fellowship with other believers and our ability to truly commune with Christ in the Lord's Supper?
3. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE HAS PROBLEMS WITH US? Matthew 5:23-24
• We must go to him – Even if we believe we have done nothing wrong, we cannot leave our brother or sister suffering from bitterness or resentment towards us. Our concern should be for their well-being and the restoration of the relationship.
• We should tell him that we notice he is different, that there seems to be a distance or unresolved issue. We must then exhaust all resources with humility and a genuine desire to resolve the situation and be at peace with that person.
◦ Discussion: What are some practical ways we can approach a brother or sister we sense is holding resentment towards us? How can we initiate reconciliation with humility and a desire for peace?
4. WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I KNOW THAT ONE BROTHER HAS SOMETHING AGAINST ANOTHER?
• I must do my best to ensure that there is peace between the two. As members of the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to be peacemakers and to actively work towards reconciliation within the church.
• It is our responsibility to pray fervently for those who live in bitterness and unforgiveness – 1 John 5:16. Our prayers can be a powerful force in breaking down walls of resentment and opening hearts to forgiveness.
◦ Discussion: How can we effectively intercede in prayer for those struggling with unforgiveness? What role does the broader church community play in fostering reconciliation?
5. HOW TO FREE OURSELVES FROM UNFORGIVENESS?
• Recognizing our own sin before God: Acknowledging our own need for God's forgiveness often softens our hearts towards those who have wronged us.
• Ask God to help us with His love, to grant us the capacity to forgive as He has forgiven us. Forgiveness is often a supernatural act, requiring God's grace and the infilling of His love in our hearts.
• Speak to the person with complete frankness, yet with a humble and reconciling spirit. Open and honest communication, motivated by a desire for restoration rather than accusation, can be a crucial step towards healing.
◦ Discussion: What are some practical steps we can take when approaching someone we need to forgive? How can we ensure our communication is both honest and aimed at reconciliation?
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- Preaching on The People of God: Called, Chosen, and Transformed
CONCLUSION:
• We are called to forgive others because we ourselves have been the recipients of immeasurable forgiveness. It was there on Calvary, when Jesus Christ willingly died for our sins, that the ultimate act of forgiveness was displayed. Let us extend to others the same grace that has been so freely given to us. May our hearts be characterized by a spirit of forgiveness, reflecting the love and mercy of our Savior.
