Download Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

The world speaks very clearly about the
value of revenge. (Jer 20:10)
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Jeremiah 20:10 (NKJV) - For I heard
many mocking: “Fear on every side!”
“Report,” they say, “and we will report it!”
All my acquaintances watched for my
stumbling, saying, “Perhaps he can be
induced; Then we will prevail against him,
And we will take our revenge on him.”
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Jeremiah enemies looked for an opportunity
to hurt him!
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.
Jeremiah enemies looked for an opportunity
to hurt him!
 David also had enemies that wanted to
rejoice in their revenge.
(Psa 35:12-15, 19-21)

This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Psalm 35:12-15 (NKJV) - They reward me
evil for good, To the sorrow of my soul. 13
But as for me, when they were sick, My
clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself
with fasting; And my prayer would return to
my own heart. 14 I paced about as though
he were my friend or brother; I bowed down
heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

15 But in my adversity they rejoiced And
gathered together; Attackers gathered
against me, And I did not know it; They
tore at me and did not cease;
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Psalm 35:19-21 (NKJV) - Let them not
rejoice over me who are wrongfully my
enemies; Nor let them wink with the eye
who hate me without a cause. 20 For they
do not speak peace, But they devise
deceitful matters Against the quiet ones in
the land. 21 They also opened their mouth
wide against me, And said, “Aha, aha! Our
eyes have seen it.”
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

How did Jeremiah respond? (Jer 20:11-13)
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Jeremiah 20:11-13 (NKJV) - But the Lord
is with me as a mighty, awesome One.
Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and
will not prevail. They will be greatly
ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their
everlasting confusion will never be
forgotten.
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

12 But, O Lord of hosts, You who test the
righteous, And see the mind and heart, Let
me see Your vengeance on them; For I have
pleaded my cause before You. 13 Sing to
the Lord! Praise the Lord! For He has
delivered the life of the poor From the hand
of evildoers.
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

How did David respond?
(Psa 35:22-24, 27)
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Psalm 35:22-24 (NKJV) - This You have
seen, O Lord; Do not keep silence. O Lord,
do not be far from me. 23 Stir up Yourself,
and awake to my vindication, To my cause,
my God and my Lord. 24 Vindicate me, O
Lord my God, according to Your
righteousness; And let them not rejoice over
me.
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Psalm 35:27 (NKJV) - Let them shout for
joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous
cause; And let them say continually, “Let
the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in
the prosperity of His servant.”
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

True peace can only come in trusting God
and His way.
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.
True peace can only come in trusting God
and His way.
 Many are tempted to live in the land of the
unforgiving. (Rom 1:31, 2 Tim 3:3)

This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

Romans 1:31 (NKJV) - undiscerning,
untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,
unmerciful;
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

2 Timothy 3:3 (NKJV) - unloving,
unforgiving, slanderers, without selfcontrol, brutal, despisers of good,
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.

This is not a place where you want to live.
This world will not teach you the way to real peace.
This is not a place where you want to live.
 I have met Christians who chose to go to
this land to their own destruction.

How should I respond when I am wronged?

It is very difficult to respond by faith in
these circumstances. (Prov 16:32)
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV) - He who is slow
to anger is better than the mighty, And he
who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Satan wins at both ends when men choose
revenge and bitterness.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

It is very difficult in the short term to
choose to practice what God has said. It is
infinitely more difficult in the long run to
ignore God’s way.
How should I respond when I am wronged?
It is very difficult in the short term to
choose to practice what God has said. It is
infinitely more difficult in the long run to
ignore God’s way.
 I must unconditionally give all vengeance to
God. (Rom 12:14, 17-21)

How should I respond when I am wronged?

Romans 12:14 (NKJV) - Bless those who
persecute you; bless and do not curse.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV) - Repay no one
evil for evil. Have regard for good things in
the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as
much as depends on you, live peaceably
with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge
yourselves, but rather give place to wrath;
for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will
repay,” says the Lord.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed
him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in
so doing you will heap coals of fire on his
head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Do we really have faith in a living God?
How should I respond when I am wronged?
Do we really have faith in a living God?
 It is not wrong to desire justice and thus
want vengeance.

How should I respond when I am wronged?

God knows us and instructs us to give
vengeance to Him. (1 Pt 2:21-23)
How should I respond when I am wronged?

1 Peter 2:21-23 (NKJV) - For to this you
were called, because Christ also suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that you should
follow His steps: 22 “Who committed no
sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23
who, when He was reviled, did not revile in
return; when He suffered, He did not
threaten, but committed Himself to Him
who judges righteously;
How should I respond when I am wronged?

This must be done regardless of what others
may or may not do.
How should I respond when I am wronged?
This must be done regardless of what others
may or may not do.
 We also must forgive others when they
repent. (Lk 17:3-5)

How should I respond when I am wronged?

Luke 17:3-5 (NKJV) - Take heed to
yourselves. If your brother sins against you,
rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 And if he sins against you seven times in a
day, and seven times in a day returns to you,
saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” 5
And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase
our faith.”
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Forgiveness goes further than the release of
vengeance to God.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

God has never asked us to forgive others
unconditionally.
How should I respond when I am wronged?
God has never asked us to forgive others
unconditionally.
 When Jesus asked God to forgive those at
the Cross, it was not unconditional.
(Lk 23:34, Acts 2:36-38)

How should I respond when I am wronged?

Luke 23:34 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said,
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know
what they do.” And they divided His
garments and cast lots.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Acts 2:36-38 (NKJV) - “Therefore let all
the house of Israel know assuredly that God
has made this Jesus, whom you crucified,
both Lord and Christ.” 3 7Now when they
heard this, they were cut to the heart, and
said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,
“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
How should I respond when I am wronged?

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let
every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and
you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

We can desire that another be forgiven
before God, but we also must have the
courage to address their sin so that they may
repent and be forgiven.
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Those who forgive without repentance
endanger their own soul as well as the souls
of those they wish to have God’s
forgiveness. (Ezk 3:17-18)
How should I respond when I am wronged?

Ezekiel 3:17-18 (NKJV) - “Son of man, I
have made you a watchman for the house of
Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth,
and give them warning from Me: 18 When I
say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and
you give him no warning, nor speak to warn
the wicked from his wicked way, to save his
life, that same wicked man shall die in his
iniquity; but his blood I will require at your
hand.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt
and write it off.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt
and write it off.
 We are a people who do not want to be
cheated! It is with the utmost difficulty
that we let go of a real debt!

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt
and write it off.
 We are a people who do not want to be
cheated! It is with the utmost difficulty
that we let go of a real debt!
 "What if God treated my debt to Him as I
am treating others?" (Mt 18:23-35)

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

Matthew 18:23-35 (NKJV) - Therefore the
kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who
wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24
And when he had begun to settle accounts, one
was brought to him who owed him ten
thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to
pay, his master commanded that he be sold,
with his wife and children and all that he had,
and that payment be made.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

26 The servant therefore fell down before him,
saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I
will pay you all.’ 2 7Then the master of that
servant was moved with compassion, released
him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that
servant went out and found one of his fellow
servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and
he laid hands on him and took him by the
throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

29 So his fellow servant fell down at his
feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience
with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he
would not, but went and threw him into
prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So
when his fellow servants saw what had been
done, they were very grieved, and came and
told their master all that had been done.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

32 Then his master, after he had called him,
said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave
you all that debt because you begged me. 33
Should you not also have had compassion
on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on
you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and
delivered him to the torturers until he
should pay all that was due to him.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to
you if each of you, from his heart, does not
forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

Notice the great emphasis of the scriptures
here. (Mt 6:14-15, 18:35)
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) - “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 your trespasses.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

Matthew 18:35 (NKJV) - “So My
heavenly Father also will do to you if each
of you, from his heart, does not forgive his
brother his trespasses.”
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

Humility is a must for one to truly forgive.
(Col 3:12-13)
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) - Therefore,
as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put
on tender mercies, kindness, humility,
meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with
one another, and forgiving one another, if
anyone has a complaint against another;
even as Christ forgave you, so you also
must do.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

A proud person will pursue the one who
injured him for as long as it takes!
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
A proud person will pursue the one who
injured him for as long as it takes!
 In humility we recognize who we really are.
Let go!

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
A proud person will pursue the one who
injured him for as long as it takes!
 In humility we recognize who we really are.
Let go!
 Self-deception is very strong when it comes
to forgiveness. (Jas 1:26)

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

James 1:26 (NKJV) - If anyone among
you thinks he is religious, and does not
bridle his tongue but deceives his own
heart, this one’s religion is useless.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

We can say we "forgive" while at the same
time harbor bitterness in our hearts.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
We can say we "forgive" while at the same
time harbor bitterness in our hearts.
 Even though we say the right words, it is
plain to others that we have a vendetta.

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
We can say we "forgive" while at the same
time harbor bitterness in our hearts.
 Even though we say the right words, it is
plain to others that we have a vendetta.
 Things which men substitute for
forgiveness.

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

To ignore both the wrong done and the
person who did it.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
To ignore both the wrong done and the
person who did it.
 If we can by love cover a fault then all is
well. (1 Pt 4:8)

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) - And above all things
have fervent love for one another, for “love
will cover a multitude of sins.”
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

But if we bury a hurt and then snub and
avoid another, we are in trouble.
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

To go by the "eye for an eye" approach.
After I get even then all is well!
Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
To go by the "eye for an eye" approach.
After I get even then all is well!
 To put the person on probation.

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
To go by the "eye for an eye" approach.
After I get even then all is well!
 To put the person on probation.
 I will forgive you but if you do this
again….be extra good or else!

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult
To go by the "eye for an eye" approach.
After I get even then all is well!
 To put the person on probation.
 I will forgive you but if you do this
again….be extra good or else!
 We may think we have forgiven but in truth
we have not! (Heb 8:12)

Genuine forgiveness is truly difficult

Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV) - For I will be
merciful to their unrighteousness, and their
sins and their lawless deeds I will remember
no more.”
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

The unforgiving lives a life of pain.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.
The unforgiving lives a life of pain.
 They think if they forgive that they will be
cheated. In truth they have taken a road far
harder than anything God would put us
through. (Deut 6:24)

The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NKJV) - And the
Lord commanded us to observe all these
statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our
good always, that He might preserve us
alive, as it is this day.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Over time the unforgiving heart becomes a
hardened heart. (Eph 4:19, 32)
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Ephesians 4:19 (NKJV) - who, being past
feeling, have given themselves over to
lewdness, to work all uncleanness with
greediness.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) - And be kind to
one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

The desire for revenge gives way to
relentless masters of bitterness and anger.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.
The desire for revenge gives way to
relentless masters of bitterness and anger.
 In time you will act like a crazy person! You
may know the right words to speak but
you heart will be revealed! Consider the
Pharisees. (Mk 15:10; Jn 18:28)

The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Mark 15:10 (NKJV) - For he knew that
the chief priests had handed Him over
because of envy.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

John 18:28 (NKJV) - Then they led Jesus
from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was
early morning. But they themselves did not
go into the Praetorium, lest they should be
defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

The family of the unforgiving pays a high
price.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.
The family of the unforgiving pays a high
price.
 In the family of the unforgiving you must
line up or be punished.

The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

To have association with the unforgiving
you must shun who they shun, participate in
the "critical talk" they talk or be cut off.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.
To have association with the unforgiving
you must shun who they shun, participate in
the "critical talk" they talk or be cut off.
 This taught bitterness and unreasonableness
is common in those who are alcoholics and
other kinds of addicts.

The hard road of the unforgiving heart.
To have association with the unforgiving
you must shun who they shun, participate in
the "critical talk" they talk or be cut off.
 This taught bitterness and unreasonableness
is common in those who are alcoholics and
other kinds of addicts.
 The church of one who is unforgiving also
pays a price. (Heb 12:14-15)

The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV) - Pursue peace
with all people, and holiness, without which
no one will see the Lord: 15 looking
carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace
of God; lest any root of bitterness springing
up cause trouble, and by this many become
defiled;
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Most church problems have their origins
here.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Forgiving people pursue peace. Unforgiving
people pursue allies.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.
Forgiving people pursue peace. Unforgiving
people pursue allies.
 The unforgiving and their allies will go to
hell. (Mt 18:35; Jas 2:13)

The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Matthew 18:35 (NKJV) - “So My
heavenly Father also will do to you if each
of you, from his heart, does not forgive his
brother his trespasses.”
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

James 2:13 (NKJV) - For judgment is
without mercy to the one who has shown no
mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

It is not enough to say: "I have been bitter."
You need to make it right!
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.
It is not enough to say: "I have been bitter."
You need to make it right!
 King Saul admitted his wrong but never
repented. (1 Sam 24:17-19)

The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

1 Samuel 24:17-19 (NKJV) - Then he said
to David: “You are more righteous than I;
for you have rewarded me with good,
whereas I have rewarded you with evil. 18
And you have shown this day how you have
dealt well with me; for when the Lord
delivered me into your hand, you did not
kill me.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let
him get away safely? Therefore may the
Lord reward you with good for what you
have done to me this day.
The hard road of the unforgiving heart.

Many choose liberalism because they have
not dealt with their hurts and therefore want
"no more conflict." Here they want to run
and hide!
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Forgiveness releases us from unnecessary
burdens! (Mt 11:28-30)
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) - Come to Me,
all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest. 29Take My yoke upon
you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and
lowly in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My
burden is light.”
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Forgiveness restores relationships!
(Col 3:12-13)
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) - Therefore,
as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put
on tender mercies, kindness, humility,
meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with
one another, and forgiving one another, if
anyone has a complaint against another;
even as Christ forgave you, so you also
must do.
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Forgiveness lets us partake of the character
of God! (2 Pt 1:4)
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

2 Peter 1:4 (NKJV) - by which have been
given to us exceedingly great and precious
promises, that through these you may be
partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Test to determine if we have forgiven.
(Mt 6:14-15, 18:35)
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) - “For if you
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly
Father will also forgive you. 15But if you
do not forgive men their trespasses, neither
will your Father forgive your trespasses.
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Matthew 18:35 (NKJV) - “So My
heavenly Father also will do to you if each
of you, from his heart, does not forgive his
brother his trespasses.”
The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Do we get pleasure in their hurt?
The healing power of genuine forgiveness
Do we get pleasure in their hurt?
 Do we intentionally avoid being in their
presence?

The healing power of genuine forgiveness
Do we get pleasure in their hurt?
 Do we intentionally avoid being in their
presence?
 Do we vividly remember what we have
suffered?

The healing power of genuine forgiveness
Do we get pleasure in their hurt?
 Do we intentionally avoid being in their
presence?
 Do we vividly remember what we have
suffered?
 Are we uncomfortable when they are
praised?

The healing power of genuine forgiveness
Do we get pleasure in their hurt?
 Do we intentionally avoid being in their
presence?
 Do we vividly remember what we have
suffered?
 Are we uncomfortable when they are
praised?
 Do we go out of the way to be helpful to
that person?

The healing power of genuine forgiveness

Are we willing to pray for the person?