The Call to Forgiveness

A couple weeks ago, I posted on a sermon that John MacArthur gave on forgiveness.  I just got around to listening to the second part, and it has been a source of great conviction as well as encouragement.  The main text for MacArthur's sermon was Matthew 18:21-35, the parable of the unforgiving servant.  Jesus told this parable, in response to Peter's question on how many times we are forgive a brother who sins against us, to teach us that our forgiveness should be endless.  

MacArthur made the following additional points as to why forgiveness is so important to the Christian.  The last point is the one that really grabbed my attention.  Will I ever get to that point in my sanctification?  


1.  The one who will not forgive will not enjoy the love of other Christians.  In the parable (v. 31), the other slaves are deeply grieved by the servant's unforgiving spirit.  Unforgiving people become unwelcome members of the fellowship and a bad influence on others.  

2.  Failure to forgive results in divine chastening.  The master was angry with the servant's unforgiving attitude and delivered him to the torturers until he could pay all that he owed.  God's judgment will be merciless to those who won't show mercy.  This is opposite the promise expressed in Matthew 5:7, that "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." 


3.  The one who doesn't forgive won't be forgiven.  In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples to ask for forgiveness of our debts as we forgive our debtors.  It's important to point out that this is not talking about eternal forgiveness, our justification.  That is already settled for those who are in Christ.  Jesus is referring to a temporal forgiveness related to our sanctification.  We forfeit blessings when we harbor anger, bitterness and vengeance.

4.  Absence of forgiveness renders us unfit for worship.  We should not consider ourselves presentable for worship if there is an unresolved offense with someone.  Matthew 5:23 says, "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."  As much as possible, we should seek and extend forgiveness.


5.  Unforgiveness usurps the authority of God.  In essence, we are taking the sword of divine judgment out of God's hand.  Paul tells us in Romans 12:17-19, "Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay' says the Lord."


6.  The injuries against us are the trials that perfect us.  As followers of Christ, we need to be offended!  Our pride, independence, and self-will need it.  That's a hard pill to swallow.  All the injustices, injuries, attacks, etc. are the very trials that perfect us.  In II Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul said, "Therefore I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  He learned through his sufferings that God used the trials to perfect and humble him. All the injuries, offenses, accusations, persecutions, etc. that come against us constitute the trials that perfect us.  But if we become bitter, vengeful, or angry, we will become spiritually weaker.  


MacArthur challenged his listeners to pay little attention to offenses that come against us and to be much more concerned about our personal holiness.  Be immediately forgiving, because forgiveness brings heaven to earth and peace to the troubled heart.