He Restores My Soul: Part 3
3 John 2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
The Nine Qualities of a Healthy Soul
Peace (Phil. 4:6-7, John 16:33)
Contentment (Phil. 4:11-14, 1 Tim. 6:6-10)
Compassion (2 Cor. 1:4-6, Col. 3:12)
Authenticity (Gal. 5:1, Prov. 11:3)
Gratitude (Ps. 95:2, 1 Thess. 5:16-18)
Reflection (Rom. 12:3, 2 Cor. 13:5)
Purpose (Eph. 2:10, Prov. 19:21)
Perseverance (Js. 1:12, Rom. 5:3-5)
Forgiveness (Mk. 11:25, Eph. 4:32)
Could it be that we’re stuck in time this morning?
Forgiveness is the process of letting go of resentment, anger, or the desire for revenge towards someone who has wronged or hurt us.
A. Forgiveness is not a feeling.
B. Forgiveness is not excusing harmful behavior.
Psalm 103:10-12 (NLT) He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
Micah 7:18-19 (NLT) Where is another God like You, Who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people? You will not stay angry with Your people forever, because You delight in showing unfailing love. 19 Once again You will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under Your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
Acts 26:18 (NLT) To open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith…
Ephesians 1:7-8 (NLT) He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
1. Because God forgave us
Matthew 6:12 (AMP) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].
Our motivation to forgive others must come from a deep, heartfelt gratitude for the grace and mercy Jesus has already given us.
“When the mercy of God does not move us to become a merciful person, there is something dreadfully wrong with our soul.” —Rob Reimer
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
2. Because we want to be forgiven
Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
3. Because it keeps us from being poisoned
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NLT) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you…
“Harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping your enemy will die.”
—C.S. Lewis
4. Because it keeps others from being poisoned
Hebrews 12:15 (NLT) Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
“Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of bitterness.” —Corrie ten Boom
5. Because God is still writing our story
Genesis 50:20 (AMP) As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day].
6. Because forgiveness is the first step towards healing
Will we live in the bondage of bitterness, or embrace the freedom of forgiveness?
“Unforgiveness keeps pulling on the rope and causing the bell to ring. When you forgive, you release the rope, but the bell will still continue to toll a few more times before it is silent.” —Corrie ten Boom