Sermon Part 6A: “Mastering the Art of Forgiveness!”
Date: October 22, 2023
Whatever wrong(s) someone has done to you, and or to those you love: Let it Go! Let it Go! Let it Go!
I know you have heard this a million times in Christian Circles and society at large, but I beg you to let go of whatever it is bugging you about how a person(s) may have mistreated you.
In fact, we need to decree and go on a perpetual “Strike” against laboring in “Un-forgiveness.” Jesus Christ said “blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matt.5:8)
But tell me, how exactly are we to go about “letting go of hurt, being merciful to others who wrong us, and forgiving others who commit sins against us?
Tell me, what method do you use to forgive people who mistreat you—those who even treat you horribly? What is your plan to forgive the next person who will offend you? Will you let the sun go down on your wrath?
Well Good Morning, and Praise the Lord Saints of the Most-High God.
Introduction
We are nearing the end of this Series entitled: “The New Creature in Christ Creates New Things from Eternity!” I want to focus our remaining Lessons on the topic of “Forgiveness.” The reason is because the “art” of forgiving the sins of others assures us, as born-again Christians, that without obstruction we can see the eternal things of the Kingdom of God. We then can see God, who is love, in action; and call those things that we see in the Spirit into physical manifestation.
However, before we delve into forgiveness, I want to spend considerable time talking about the arch-enemy of forgiveness, which is “Un-forgiveness.” We can define un-forgiveness this way:
“Un-forgiveness is a personal decision made to remain in a state of being to “not” have compassion for someone who has offended us, and to judge them unworthy of forgiveness for an offense(s) committed.”
As such, we can say that un-forgiveness is a “choice” a person makes to put themselves in a devilish state of thinking towards their offender(s).
Here me now, I say emphatically that un-forgiveness is “not” a message we ever receive from God. Rather, un-forgiveness is an evil vice from Satan who seeks to sow the seed of bitterness in us, which left alone, will grow up into a full and mature fruit tree of hatred. The fruit of hatred is called, “revenge!”
As the “Elect” of God, we never want to venture into revenge because it does not belong to us, as it’s God’s property and judgement on when and how to use it. (Rom.12:19) Furthermore, we know those who determine to “hate” their brother have no fellowship with God; neither do they know God. (I John 4:20)
So no matter how despicable a person’s sin might be toward us, there is “no profit” in choosing not to forgive them. Un-forgiveness may feel good for a season, but eventually it will grow “rot” in your brain and tummy, cause many sleepless nights, and sickness and illness to invade your body.
Examine the following famous quotes about un-forgiveness:
The late honorable theologian C.S. Lewis wrote:
“Un-forgiveness is like taking poison but expecting someone else to die.”
The late Pastor and Evangelist John R. Rice said that:
“Un-forgiveness is choosing to stay trapped in a jail cell of bitterness, serving time for someone else’s crime. When boiled down to its essence, un-forgiveness is hatred.”
John Rice was spot on when he said un-forgiveness is a “jail cell of bitterness,” and at its core, “un-forgiveness is hatred.” I would add these thoughts to Rice’s quote: Sadly, the unforgiving person chooses to push themselves into the jail cell of bitterness, and then locks the door behind them. They have the key, which is forgiveness, to unlock the door in their pocket and can go free at any time.
But instead, they choose to be confined behind bars; stewing, hurling insults, judgements, and condemnation at the person(s) who hurt them, and often times they dis-fellowship themselves from the offender.
Ha-ha, un-forgiveness, the perfect plan of Satan executed to keep God’s people from coming together in unity and agreement, which brings Jesus Christ in our midst! When we agree on anything, God will do whatever we ask of Him. But when we refuse to forgive, we cannot see and receive the goodness of God from eternity. (Matt.18:20) We chase the Anointing of Jesus Christ away from the matter that caused the hostility when we live in a state of un-forgiveness!
Moreover, because hatred just loves and adores company, from within the jail cell, the un-forgiver invites other people to come and hear how badly they have been treated. This of course is done in hopes of forming a league of negative opinion against the offender. I tell you this is devilish and sensual at its core!
In today’s Message, I want to share with you my personal experience with un-forgiveness, and how God delivered me from it. Yes, as a Pastor I had my bout with being a un-forgiver. Only by the mercies and grace of God am I able to stand and assert my liberty and independence from un-forgiveness, as it was quite a battle for a long time. But in Christ, I got the victory! Jesus always causes us to triumph over every tribulation! (II Cor. 2:14)
I cannot speak for anyone else, but anytime I preach and teach on the subject of “Forgiveness,” I first reflect on my own struggle with forgiving people who have hurt me, and remember how God brought me out with a mighty hand! Moreover, through the process of forgiving my foes, God in the person of the Holy Ghost taught me “how to systematically forgive the sins committed of others. Not just the sins of my adversaries, but the sins of all people.”
Before this great awakening, I can honestly say that “forgiveness” was a broad and vague term to me. In Church, I had not been taught, as I recall, specifically what actions to take to forgive a person for wrong the “Bible way.” I just knew we were commanded to forgive, and did my human best to do so.
Parents, Sunday School teachers, preachers, and society at large all encourage us to forgive one another. Yes, but as I noted earlier, how are we to forgive? I believe God wants to show us how to artfully (skillfully) and tactically forgive sin, the sins of our foes and all people—universally and perpetually. It’s a part of our inheritance in Christ. (Eph.1:7)
I hope my testimony will demonstrate for you how unhealthy un-forgiveness is, as well as provide the godly way to forgive, and always be assured of winning the battle over the demonic influence and oppression of un-forgiveness. It’s God’s expectation that we do so! (I John 5:4 & Heb.10:13)
I can say now that my holy ambition in Christ is not just to be a “forgiving Christian,” but to become a “Master Forgiver” of sin, like our blessed Lord Jesus Christ as He is seated at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus forgave all my sins, I must do the same for all who sin against me, without fear and trembling. May the Lord deal with your hearts in a similar fashion.
A Pastor’s Confession of His “Jail Break” From Un-forgiveness
As born-again Christians, one of the great and precious gifts God has given to us is the “confession” of sins. James 5:16 tells us we are to confess our faults with each other (the Saints) and pray for one another so that we may receive healing.
This Verse is “holy encouragement” for me and all who name Jesus Christ as Lord. James said confess your “faults” one to another. Everyone in the Body of Christ has faults (Faulty Behavior/Performance) needing to be revealed, healed, and corrected through the power of effectual prayer and Word of God. (II Tim. 3:16-17)
Furthermore, the Bible tells us that confession of sin (in sincerity) is healthy for our souls, and causes us to prosper in life. (Psalm 38:18, Ps. 51:6, Prov. 28:13, & I John 1:5-7) In Christ Jesus, we have no stones to throw at each other, for all have sinned and come short of God’s glory. (Rom. 3:23) Thank God also in Christ, there is no condemnation, because the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:1-3) Our behavior is continually being transformed into the perfection of our inner-man. Jesus Christ will be perfecting our performance up until the day of our redemption. (Php.1:6)
Furthermore, I thank God for the chastening we receive from the Lord, as it lets us know, we are truly His sons if we endure it without fear. Correction from God always brings forth exceedingly good things into your life. So, I thank God for the Holy Ghost shinning the Light of Christ on my misbehavior of un-forgiveness; and then on all my faults for correction. Yes, true confession and repentance of un-forgiveness, and all sin, has amazing rewards in God in Christ Jesus. (Prov. 3:11-18, Heb.12:5, I John 1:5-9)
Please know that in Christ, there is never a need for us to practice hypocrisy, as we only fool ourselves when we do. I wonder even now how many born-again Christians are sitting in Churches all over the world, knowing they are in a “jail cell of bitterness” all because someone mistreated them? Knowing they have alt against another person—fresh alts and old alts dating back years ago. Born-again Christians, all the while saying, “I love God with all of my heart,” and “I have no beef, nor ax, to grind with anyone.
I confess to you that this certainly was the lie I told my-self for a long-time too; that I loved God and everybody. That is until the grudge payload I was carrying became unbearable.
The point of telling my story has little to nothing to do with the names of persons, and specific details of the offense(s) involved. Rather, the nexus of the testimony is “my decision” and “my behavior” not to forgive the person(s) who wronged me.
Several years ago, there came a time when “I chose” not to forgive a person(s) for wrongs committed against me. Before this incident, to the best of my recollection, I had never had any issues with forgiveness. But now, I had a serious thorn in my side. I thought the sins committed were shocking, vicious, outrageous, and unwarranted.
Foolishly on my part, I allowed over time for the un-forgiveness to turn into “bitterness,” and yes “hatred.” (Eccl.7:9) I put myself in the “jail cell” of bitterness; like Pastor Rice wrote about. Outwardly, I never sought revenge against my offenders, at least not physical harm. But honestly, I thought about it and really wanted to, but the blood of Jesus Christ prevailed in my life. I remembered the Words of Jesus who told Peter, those who live by the sword perish by the same. (Matt. 26:52)
However, “I chose” to let the anger and rage set in and sink in my brain, day after day after…for a long time…even for several years
Retrospectively, who was I really hurting; only me of course. The only beneficiary of my decision not to forgive was Satan. I had given Satan free rental space in my head with mansion-like accommodations to plant thoughts of evil. Yet, the Bible warns us to give the devil no place. (Eph. 4:26-27) There was not a single day that went by in which I didn’t think of how I had been hurt. To anyone who would listen, I would gladly belly-ache my sorrows; hoping they would say:
“WOW PASTOR, THAT’S REALLY BAD WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU! YOU ARE A GOOD GUY. YOU DIDNT DESERVE THAT.”
The un-forgiveness took a toll on me for sure: emotionally, physically, socially, financially, and most importantly spiritually. Because, listen to me Saints, the un-forgiveness caused me to walk in “Spiritual Deafness and Blindness.”
As a Man of God and Pastor, I had become spiritually deaf and blind. “Tone deaf,” and “blind as a bat,” as they say. In Ministry and life, I was flying on auto pilot, self-directed, and locked into carnal thinking towards my foes. While Christ’s Light was shining brightly on me, His Light was not being reflected through me brightly into world. Rather, only at best flickering.
Frankly, full of pride, I was so “mad,” so bitter, that I could not see things from God’s perspective concerning my foes, and it was hindering/obscuring my ability to see in the Spirit, to see God (Love) in “everything” I did. My heart was full of the love of God, but my brain was full of the manure of hatred—the two could not be connected!
In a sense, I was like the Biblical character Jonah, who could not hear and heed anything God was telling Him, about the need to preach repentance to the children of Nineveh—to love and accept them as equals. (Jonah 4:9-11). Um, perhaps the comparison with Jonah is a little far- a-field. During my jail time in un-forgiveness, I would pray, read and confess Scriptures regarding forgiveness, and had counseling with Bishop Larry.
I was trying to forgive my foes according to the Word of God. But nothing I tried worked. At best with tepid and tacit lip service, I would say to myself and others around me that I had forgiven my offenders. But I knew that was only wishful thinking. Truth told, at that time, if I had seen my offenders on the street, I would have turned and walked the other way. The hatred I felt was so profound that I couldn’t stand to even hear their names called.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I was not satisfied with my attitude and knew very well the seriousness and potential consequences of choosing not to forgive. God requires us to take immediate actions to forgive and take steps to reconcile with all our offenders, regardless of the egregiousness of the offense.
For example, Jesus Christ commanded if we remember when giving our offering our brother has an alt (offense) against us, that we must immediately go and leave our offering at the altar and be reconciled with our brother. Then return to Church to pay our tributes to the Lord. (Confirm this for yourselves at Matthew 5:23-24) Well the same principal applies if we are the ones with the alt against our brother.
Also see Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus said:
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.
Wow! Jesus said if we do not forgive others for their sins committed against us, then “all the sins” we commit are charged to our account. For my foes, I had judged them guilty of let’s say “20-sins” against me, and now I would be charged by God and found guilty of my “millions of sins.” “Oh how foolish it was to be the proud owner of un-forgiveness!”
I knew each of the aforementioned Verses well and needed to get out of my jail cell of bitterness, but I was engaged in a war—“spiritual warfare!” More specifically, the Holy Ghost on behalf of the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Jesus Christ was telling me to speedily forgive my offenders. On the other hand, the strong hold of un-forgiveness that I had permitted to be planted in my head by Satan was telling me to hold on to my grudge. I tell you, it was a “tug-of-war.”
One minute I would forgive, and the next minute I would turn bitter again, and then again and again!
The Moment of Break through Arrives
Finally, one morning in prayer and study in the Word of God, the Holy Ghost brought this Scripture to my attention, in light of my un-forgiveness. It shook me to the core and brought me to the place of making a decision on finally forgiving my foes.
Let’s look at John 14:24 and consider it for your life too in walking with Christ Jesus.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
These were the Words of Christ that brought me to my knees and tears. The Lord says that anyone who does not keep His commandments, also does not love Him. Jesus said that He got this message from His Father God.
In walking in un-forgiveness I was demonstrating to God and Jesus that I did not love Him. I said to the Lord, “Jesus, I love you with my whole-heart and being, and that I don’t want my eternal resume to read that I refused to obey you in not forgiving my foes.”
I also said, I don’t want the totality of my sins held against me, due to foolish pride and an unwillingness to forgive. I said, Lord I repent for my pride, ego-mania, stubbornness, disobedience, and disregard of Matthew 18: 21-22. I give all of my pains, hurts, and disappointments to you because you care for me. (I Pet. 5:7)
Lord, you ordered that we are to forgive our brother’s sins “seventy times seven,” if necessary. Meaning that we are to lose track…lose count of how many times we forgive a person. (This makes so much sense because when we forgive, we should not remember the person’s last wrong against us!) God does not remember our sins, so we should not recall the sins of others. (Heb.10:16-17)
I cried out to the Lord saying help me overcome the stronghold of un-forgiveness. I know you are my very present help in time of trouble. I need your help now! (Ps. 46:1) I asked God this question: I said “Lord, I do not know how to forgive these people who have hurt me. Teach me how to forgive them—teach me how to forgive like you forgave all my sins at Calvary. Teach me lessons on how to forgive as you are seated at the right throne of God the Father.”
In Christian Circles, we don’t do this nearly enough when offenses crop up in our lives—in marriages, family relations, friendships, work relationships and so forth: “Lord teach me how to forgive like Jesus, as He is Seated at the right hand of God. Teach me to forgive like King Jesus and the Lord Jesus!”
I’m getting happy and overjoyed right now in my sanctified soul because Jesus said, “everyone that asks receives.” (Matt.7:8) I can say today, that the Holy Ghost has taught me how to forgive like Jesus forgave me, The Holy Ghost has shown me how to be a “skillful” (artful) forgiver and how to “Master Forgiveness.” This is what I want to be for the Lord, “A Master Forgiver.” (A Teacher of Forgiveness)
You see, with true repentance from the heart, God always shows up and favors you with His wisdom, and takes away the pain of the persecution. When we go and show mercy to others, God will be merciful to us. (Matt.5:8)
The Art of Forgiveness is Simple and Dynamic in its Workings
From a heart of repentance and will to forgive my enemies, The Holy Ghost revealed to me the “Art of Forgiveness.” For certain, Bible forgiveness is a skill that requires practice! I used it immediately on my offenders and it works every time disagreements arise.
Godly forgiveness is not mere words spoken to those who offend us saying only: “I forgive you.” Bible forgiveness specifically targets the sin committed by the person and takes it away from the person who committed the sin against you. The definition of forgiveness, is opposite that of un-forgiveness:
“Forgiveness is a personal decision made to remain in a state of being, to have compassion for someone who has offended us, and to judge them worthy of forgiveness for an offense(s) committed—regardless of how they treat you.
Forgiveness is godly. Forgiveness is an “Anointed Sanctifier” that opens the door wide for acts of love and kindness to be shown to your offender. Forgiveness separates the sin from the person who committed it. Would you say that a couple of times with me:
“Forgiveness separates the sin from the person who committed it. “
Let’s practice forgiveness with this example: A person tells a lie on you. In understanding forgiveness, having compassion on them, as Christ had for your sins, you take the lie told on you off of them (strip the lie off) and away from the person who told it.
Only see the lie as being separate from the person and keep it away from the person. Don’t let the lie stand between you and the person. Put the lie to the side—lay it aside. (Heb.12:1) The Bible says sin is a reproach to any people. (Prov.14:34) The lie is not the person, rather it’s a sinful behavior from the devil. The person is not the author of the lie, Satan is. Got it?
LIE YOU/PERSON
The lie is a sin against God and His Word. Therefore, forgive the person of the lie, like Jesus forgave you. Do not hold it against them. Do not attach the lie to them ever again.
This is priceless wisdom because it allows us to address the “sin” (in this example a lie) according to the Word of God. When the lie is placed to the side, it allows you and the offender to come and reason the matter together, by the Word of God. (Col. 3:9-10) Thereby, allowing the Holy Ghost to convict, reprove, and correct the offending parties’ behavior. This will always prove a far better approach than trying to resolve disagreements through attacking the offender and assigning blame, guilt, shame and condemnation for what they have done wrong.
By separating the sin from the person, we can freely love the person, and hate the “sin-sender” Satan. We can see this in the story of the woman caught in adultery recorded at John 8:3-11.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
The Scripture witnesses that Jesus had love and compassion—He saved her from being stoned to death.
Jesus separated her sin of adultery from the person she was. Notice that Jesus only sees her as God made her—He called her “Woman”—meaning, “that which was taken from man,” as Adam declared when God first presented Eve to Adam” (Gen. 2:23) Woman, the female, which God made in the image and likeness of God. (Gen. 1:27)
Woman, as she was created to be a suitable help meet for the man. (Gen. 2:18) Woman, pure and holy and without sin, as before Adam sinned. (Gen. 2:25) Woman, the one who discerned by the man, as being a “good thing” when found—worthy to be bone of bone and flesh of flesh. (Prov.18:22).
Jesus told the woman that no person, nor he Himself, had condemned her for the sin. Now that there is no judgement and condemnation on her for adultery, the Word of correction was easy to be entreated. Jesus told her to “go, and sin no more.” In other words, the kindness of the Lord—an Anointing—was poured out on her, to live life free from adultery, and to only join herself to another man in marriage. God’s holy covenant for the man and woman. (Matt.19:4) In God’s eyes she was a pure as a virgin never having known a man before!
Returning again to our steps of forgiving sin. Now that the sin committed is removed from the person, spiritual darkness is lifted from your eyes. In your born-again heart, you can see God’s love in action, which never ceases. The person is the creation of God—made by Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ. (Col.1:16-17) Because they belong to Jesus, your treatment of the offender must be with honor, respect, kindness, gentleness and goodness. You only see them as holy, good, and useful unto God. (Even while the lying person may be continuing the pattern and practice of lying. No matter how many lies told, you continue to separate the lies from the person.)
It is this simple action of forgiveness that opens our spiritual eyes into the unseen eternal things of God, which are dynamic and miraculous. This was a core value of our Savior’s Ministry on earth—seeing, stripping off and treating sin separate from the people and ushering in acts of kindness toward them. Other examples include:
Judas betrayed Jesus for 30-pieces of silver, and yet when he came with the garrison of soldiers by night to arrest Jesus, and lay a kiss on Him, our Lord greeted Judas, calling him “Friend.” (Matt. 26:47-56)
We see the artful work of forgiveness of Jesus on His cross at Calvary. On Jesus’s cross He offered these words of forgiveness. (Luke 23:34)
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Notice, Jesus (who bore all of our sins in His own body) separated the sinful actions of the Jews and the world for all times, from who we are as human beings.
Displaying the same love and method of forgiveness, the evangelist and deacon Steven was stoned to death by the Jewish Authorities; falsely accusing him of blasphemy. (Acts 7:59-60)
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
In both instances (Jesus and Steven), we see that they separated the sins committed against them from the people committing the sin. So that the offenders may have the opportunity to be reconciled to God; viewed as precious and good in His sight.
In closing, this is the skillful and tactical approach we must take when trespasses are committed against us; as well as others for whom we have concern. Jesus does not judge and condemn us for our sins. Neither should we judge and condemn others when they sin against us. To quote CS Lewis again:
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you!”
We must continually walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Never allowing un-forgiveness to occupy our heads, as it is the device of the enemy to keep us from reconciliation and restoration in God in Christ Jesus and people. Our supernatural strength is found in unity, and not division.
In times of offense, we must have and show forth compassion, strip off the matter of the sin from the person, see the person as God sees them—holy, good, and useful, and worthy of kindness. This will open the door for reconciliation, instruction and correction by the Word of God; and acts of kindness without limits authored by the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Jesus Christ who dwells within us.
The ambition of “Forgiveness” is to reunite us one to another so that we might have unity and Oneness in God in Christ. Your enemies may not accept your invitation to reconcile and bond together, but our heavenly Father commands and expects us to always be like Him. Forgiveness assures us that our sins are always forgiven, which has exceedingly great rewards of reaping the benefits of eternal life.
Let’s show the world what the love of God can do when we practice the art of forgiveness, so that many might come to the Light of Christ and say ”What must I do to be saved.” And, we will say, believe in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Next week, we will learn to how to become “Masters of Forgiveness” and see our words never fall to the ground, but bring forth God-good things for the betterment of Mankind from eternity.
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