THE WAY: DEALING WITH RESENTMENT
Pastor Josh Weisbrod – January 24, 2021
SUMMARY: The biggest issue the church is facing right now is resentment. The key to overcoming resentment is unlimited forgiveness. Christ has forgiven us of all our sins, and to follow Christ is to forgive as he forgave us.
KEY SCRIPTURE: Parable of the Kingdom of God - Matthew 18:21-35
HOW WE FORGIVE LIKE CHRIST
1. Forgiveness shows we understand what we have received
· For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
2. Forgive those who do not deserve it
· But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44
· Jesus commands us to forgive the completely underserved, including our enemies.
· Romans 3:23-24; Ephesians 2:1-6; Romans 5:8-10
3. Forgive completely and freely
· Jesus says forgive unlimited, completely, and continually.
· If you haven’t forgiven someone you can’t love them.
· If there is a “but” after “I’ve forgiven them, but . . .” there is no forgiveness.
· Matthew 18:27; Psalm 103:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
· Love holds no record of wrongs. Let it go. Release someone today.
4. Forgive from the heart
· Matthew 18:35; Matthew 5:22-24
· Forgiveness is a fragrant offering to the Lord.
· Attitude: Don’t think I have to forgive, think I get to forgive!
FORGIVENESS DOES AMAZING THINGS
1. Forgiveness aligns our heart with the heart of Christ
· John 13 – Jesus washes feet of his disciples
2. Forgiveness builds the body of Christ
· Bitterness as “a little seed” can ruin an entire “garden”. Hebrews 12:14-15
· Hebrews 10:24-25
· People are messy. They need forgiveness, grace, and mercy, not to be ‘cancelled’.
3. Forgiveness testifies to God’s goodness
· Forgiveness is a testimony.
· 1 Timothy 1:15-16
· God’s forgiveness of my sin testifies to his love and goodness.
Discussion Questions
1. To what extent have you been feeling resentment from others and/or have you been feeling resentment towards others over the past several months?
2. How do you think the Church looks to the world, when Christians are bitter, divided, and/or unforgiving towards each other?
3. How has your personal experience of giving and receiving forgiveness shaped the way you forgive or don’t forgive?
4. To what extent do the Bible and/or your feelings factor into your decision to forgive or withhold forgiveness from someone?
5. To what extent are you willing to be transparent with God about any feelings of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness that you may be carrying? Are you willing to release the person(s) to God and trust Him with the outcome?
Note: Some wounds are so deep that we may need to get prayer or even counseling to help us through the process of forgiveness. If you are struggling with unforgiveness, don’t feel shame or guilt. Ask for help from your small group leader or pastor.
Full Podcast Episode: https://banner.church/podcast/2021/1/25/the-way-12421