Michael Daling - October 27, 2019
Reconciliation and Forgiveness
As they are approaching Jerusalem, Jesus tells his disciples…As far as it depends on you, do everything you can to reconcile, but NEVER withhold forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy. If someone sins against you…even in a minor way…you may be able to forgive them once and give them a second chance. …but can anyone really see yourselves truly forgiving someone else 7 times if they keep hurting you over and again? There is good news for you…you can’t do this. You cannot reconcile and forgive as Jesus commands—You might give it some effort…you may forgive once or twice…but you as a sinner cannot do it. Not on your own. But there is a mighty King and savior who obeyed where you and your brother or sister have failed. His power is available to you because Jesus lived and died in your place! The wonderful grace that wiped away your debt is available always in Jesus…and Jesus is with you. We cannot forgive or reconcile from the heart without being a people of repentance and faith…we will not forgive and reconcile unless we grow in love for Jesus. We must resolve to do nothing apart from Jesus. Forgiveness and reconciliation require us to lose our lives for Jesus’ sake. You have to give up the ways you try to do it on your own. You need to be transformed by the Father’s grace in Jesus…this is a work of the Spirit of God in you.
Scripture References: Matthew 18:15-35
From Series: "King and Servant"
Jesus is the King sent from Heaven to establish His eternal Kingdom. He wields the weapons of Heaven against the kingdom of Satan and reigns victorious.
