It's Easy: Forgiveness is Easy
Mercy Culture Church | Pastor Landon Schott
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Matthew 18:23-35
BSB
23 Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents.
25 Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.
26 Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’
27 His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.
28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
29 So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.
31 When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master.
32 Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me.
33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed.
35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
24 As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents.
25 Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.
26 Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’
27 His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.
28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
29 So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.
31 When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master.
32 Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me.
33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed.
35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
BSB
Forgiveness is easy in the presence of God!
Hard things become easy in His presence
Matthew 11:28-30
BSB
28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
BSB
• "The yoke" = wooden beam = “cross”
• The cross brings us into the presence of God where it’s EASY.
• If its heavy, you’re carrying something you shouldn’t be carrying!
• “Everything is easy in His Presence!”
• The cross brings us into the presence of God where it’s EASY.
• If its heavy, you’re carrying something you shouldn’t be carrying!
• “Everything is easy in His Presence!”
Question
How many want to spiritually grow?
You must grow in forgiveness if you want to spiritually grow!
- Healthy people forgive. Unhealthy people don’t forgive!
- Spiritually mature people forgive. Spiritually immature people don’t forgive!
- People who know God forgive. People that don’t know God don’t forgive.
- Spirit led people forgive. Flesh (carnal) led people don’t forgive.
- Godly people forgive. Ungodly people don’t forgive.
How many want to spiritually grow?
You must grow in forgiveness if you want to spiritually grow!
- Healthy people forgive. Unhealthy people don’t forgive!
- Spiritually mature people forgive. Spiritually immature people don’t forgive!
- People who know God forgive. People that don’t know God don’t forgive.
- Spirit led people forgive. Flesh (carnal) led people don’t forgive.
- Godly people forgive. Ungodly people don’t forgive.
Question
Why is forgiveness so hard?
Forgiving those that have been unjust, evil, wicked or vile is the hardest thing in the world to do. Let’s make it easy!
There are over 200 scriptures referring to forgiveness.
Why is forgiveness so hard?
Forgiving those that have been unjust, evil, wicked or vile is the hardest thing in the world to do. Let’s make it easy!
There are over 200 scriptures referring to forgiveness.
Aphiémi
(af-ee'-ay-mee) to send away, leave alone, permit.
phíēmi
(from apó, "away from" and hiēmi, "send") – properly, send away; release (discharge).
(af-ee'-ay-mee) to send away, leave alone, permit.
phíēmi
(from apó, "away from" and hiēmi, "send") – properly, send away; release (discharge).
Matthew 6:9-15
BSB
9 So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’
14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’
14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
BSB
The word "debts" is used here does not mean that we are "debtors to God," but that our sins have a resemblance to debts.
Debt
opheiléma (of-i'-lay-mah) - that which is owed, a debt, offense, sin. A duty unfulfilled is a debt unpaid.
opheiléma (of-i'-lay-mah) - that which is owed, a debt, offense, sin. A duty unfulfilled is a debt unpaid.
Romans 6:23
BSB
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
BSB
Romans 4:8
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8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”
BSB
Mercy is undeserved kindness.
Hebrews 8:12
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12 For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”
BSB
Question
Who needs forgiveness?
Everyone!
Who needs forgiveness?
Everyone!
Romans 3:23
BSB
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
BSB
Ephesians 4:32
BSB
32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
BSB
Colossians 3:13
BSB
13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
BSB
Question
What needs to be forgiven?
Sin & people!
What needs to be forgiven?
Sin & people!
Sin
Fundamentally missing the mark. A violation of God’s standards!
Fundamentally missing the mark. A violation of God’s standards!
Genesis 3:21
BSB
21 And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.
BSB
Leviticus 4:20
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20 He shall offer this bull just as he did the bull for the sin offering; in this way the priest will make atonement on their behalf, and they will be forgiven.
BSB
Hebrews 10:11-12
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11 Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
12 But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
BSB
Matthew 6:12
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12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
BSB
Colossians 2:13-14
BSB
13 When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,
14 having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!
14 having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!
BSB
Question
Where do I forgive?
In your daily encounter!
Where do I forgive?
In your daily encounter!
Matthew 11:25
BSB
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
BSB
Matthew 18:21-22
BSB
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!
BSB
Practical Advice
Forgive and still set healthy boundaries.
Forgive and still set healthy boundaries.
Practical Advice
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you who you need to forgive.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you who you need to forgive.
Question
Why do I need to forgive?
Because we love God!
Why do I need to forgive?
Because we love God!
John 14:15
BSB
15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
BSB
Practical Advice
Ask yourself, “How much do I love God?”
Ask yourself, “How much do I love God?”
We forgive because God told us to!
Colossians 3:13
BSB
13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
BSB
Forgiveness pleases the Lord!
You’re never more like Jesus then when you’re forgiving!
- God sees His reflection in man through forgiveness!
- Forgiveness is not optional for spiritual growth!
You’re never more like Jesus then when you’re forgiving!
- God sees His reflection in man through forgiveness!
- Forgiveness is not optional for spiritual growth!
Unforgiveness affects your intimacy with God!
Matthew 6:14-15
BSB
14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
BSB
We forgive people because we love God!
Question
How much do I have to forgive?
As much as God forgave you!
How much do I have to forgive?
As much as God forgave you!
Practical Advice
Forgive and still set healthy boundaries.
WARNING
You can forgive and still be friendly without being close friends.
Forgive and still set healthy boundaries.
WARNING
You can forgive and still be friendly without being close friends.
Matthew 12:31
BSB
31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
BSB
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a life of rejecting God!
3 Hard Issues That Need Forgiveness
1. The racial divide
1. The racial divide
Luke 10:33-34
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33 But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
BSB
Samaritans were of the nation which the Jews most despised and hated. Jews would have no dealings with Samaritans!
John 4:9
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9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
BSB
Only forgiveness will heal our racial divide!
3 Hard Issues That Need Forgiveness
2. Betrayal / Rejection
2. Betrayal / Rejection
John 13:12
BSB
12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?
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John 13:21-22
BSB
21 After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant.
22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant.
BSB
John 13:26-27
BSB
26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.
27 And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
27 And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
BSB
Jesus washed the feet of Judas knowing he would betray Him!
3 Hard Issues That Need Forgiveness
3. Abuse
- Jesus was a victim of lies and ridicule. He was spit upon (Mark 14:65)
- Jesus had a crown of thorns embedded into His head (Mark 15:17)
- Jesus was flogged (Matthew 27:26)
- Jesus was beat for no reason (Mark 15:19)
- Jesus carried His own cross (Matthew 27)
- Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:24)
3. Abuse
- Jesus was a victim of lies and ridicule. He was spit upon (Mark 14:65)
- Jesus had a crown of thorns embedded into His head (Mark 15:17)
- Jesus was flogged (Matthew 27:26)
- Jesus was beat for no reason (Mark 15:19)
- Jesus carried His own cross (Matthew 27)
- Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:24)
Isaiah 52:14
BSB
14 Just as many were appalled at Him — His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness—
BSB
Luke 23:33-34
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33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
BSB
Question
Why is forgiveness so hard?
Why is forgiveness so hard?
Matthew 9:2-7
BSB
2 Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3 On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!”
4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?
5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’
6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
7 And the man got up and went home.
3 On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!”
4 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?
5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’
6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
7 And the man got up and went home.
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Acts 13:38
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38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
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1 John 1:9
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9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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1 John 1:7
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7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
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Acts 10:43
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43 All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
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John 1:29
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29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
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Jesus forgives sin, we just forgive people!
Benediction Statement
Teach us Your ways that we may know You and find Your favor.
Teach us Your ways that we may know You and find Your favor.
Matthew 18:28-30
BSB
28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
29 So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.
29 So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.
BSB
- It is easy to receive forgiveness in the Master’s presence.
- When the one forgiven of much left the King’s presence, he had a hard time forgiving!
- If he would have remained in the Master’s presence, it would have been easy to forgive!
- When the one forgiven of much left the King’s presence, he had a hard time forgiving!
- If he would have remained in the Master’s presence, it would have been easy to forgive!
Some things are easy to forgive, and some things are hard to forgive, but hard things become easy in the presence of God!
Forgiveness is hard when you’re trying to forgive sin. That’s God’s job! Forgiveness is easy when it’s forgiving a person!
Forgiveness is hard when you’re trying to forgive sin. That’s God’s job! Forgiveness is easy when it’s forgiving a person!
Don’t let unforgiveness hinder your relationship with God!
