THE GIFT OF PARDON (2 OF 3)
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
This content is part of a series.
Title: The Gift Of Pardon (2 of 3)
Series: Freely
Author: Dave Gustavsen
Text: Matthew 18:21-35
I shared with you last week that there's a concept that's become so important to my family. It's based on something that Jesus said to his disciples: "Freely you've received; freely give." I believe that idea can powerfully change how we live our lives. If we don't grasp that truth, we will go through life with a "scarcity mentality." We will never feel like we have enough time, energy, compassion, money-everything seems scarce. So when there's an opportunity to give some of our time/energy/ compassion/money, we will feel resentful and angry-because how could you possibly ask me to do anything for you? Can't you see I don't have enough? Most of us know what that feels like.
But if we do grasp how much we have freely received from God, we will go through life with an "abundance mentality." Just like, in the 23rd Psalm, David said My cup overflows, we will have a deep sense that we have received much more than we deserve. That word "freely" comes from a word meaning "gift." And we will recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. And therefore, we will respond to opportunities and requests with open-handedness and generosity. That doesn't mean we'll say "yes" to everything, but we will have the sense that we have so much to give, because God has given us so much.
As I said, this concept is transforming the way that I live, which is why I wanted to share it with you. And this morning, I want to talk about how this looks when it comes to forgiveness.
There used to be a popular bumper sticker that went like this: "I don't get mad; I get..." Can you finish it? I get even. In other words, if you offend me; if you do me wrong, just wait-I'll get you back. Which is kind of scary, when you're driving 70 miles an hour on the Parkway. But it's actually more scary in everyday life. Because by taking that mindset, you feel like you're punishing the other pers ...
Series: Freely
Author: Dave Gustavsen
Text: Matthew 18:21-35
I shared with you last week that there's a concept that's become so important to my family. It's based on something that Jesus said to his disciples: "Freely you've received; freely give." I believe that idea can powerfully change how we live our lives. If we don't grasp that truth, we will go through life with a "scarcity mentality." We will never feel like we have enough time, energy, compassion, money-everything seems scarce. So when there's an opportunity to give some of our time/energy/ compassion/money, we will feel resentful and angry-because how could you possibly ask me to do anything for you? Can't you see I don't have enough? Most of us know what that feels like.
But if we do grasp how much we have freely received from God, we will go through life with an "abundance mentality." Just like, in the 23rd Psalm, David said My cup overflows, we will have a deep sense that we have received much more than we deserve. That word "freely" comes from a word meaning "gift." And we will recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. And therefore, we will respond to opportunities and requests with open-handedness and generosity. That doesn't mean we'll say "yes" to everything, but we will have the sense that we have so much to give, because God has given us so much.
As I said, this concept is transforming the way that I live, which is why I wanted to share it with you. And this morning, I want to talk about how this looks when it comes to forgiveness.
There used to be a popular bumper sticker that went like this: "I don't get mad; I get..." Can you finish it? I get even. In other words, if you offend me; if you do me wrong, just wait-I'll get you back. Which is kind of scary, when you're driving 70 miles an hour on the Parkway. But it's actually more scary in everyday life. Because by taking that mindset, you feel like you're punishing the other pers ...
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