Life’s Tough
Questions
Part 5a
Why Should I Forgive, Anyhow?
Pastor Dan Wilkerson
Mathew 18: 21-22
1. Forgiveness achnowledges there was a wrong committed (Matthew 18:21).
2. Forgiveness changes your status from victim to victor (Matthew 5: 39-41).
“To our most bitter opponents we say: we will match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
3. Forgiveness makes sense to anyone who has needd, does need, or will need forgiveness (Matthew 18:35).
4. Forgiveness is the only road to freedom (Matthew 18: 23-35).
“Whoever opts for revenge should dig two graves.” – Chinese Proverb
“… not forgiving someone is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.” – Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies
5.Forgiveness is not Jesus’ suggestion (Matthew 18:35).
Editor’s Note: This sermon was preached on 6/28/09. It is part 5a of an on-going sermon entitled “Life’s Tough Questions” Read Pastor Dan’s Sermon notes here. Listen to the entire sermon in .mp3 formate here.
In line with being able to forgive, a good side sermon could be an overview of the book, “The Five Languages of Apology” by Chapman and Thomas. It’s a book written by Christian Marriage Counselors on how people ask for forgiveness.