Beyond Limits: A Heart that Forgives

“He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.”  - George Herbert, English poet, orator, and priest of the Church of England (1593-1633)

Bible Verses: Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Starting Point: What is the biggest barrier to your forgiveness: seeking justice, fearing further pain, or feeling they don't deserve it?

Scripture clearly warns that holding onto grudges acts like a poison, wounding our souls and blocking our connection with God. Based on biblical principles, we will explore the severe dangers of bitterness and the profound liberty found in releasing it. 

In Matthew 18:21-35, the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant teaches a simple truth: if you've been forgiven, you should forgive others. We are expected to show mercy to everyone—no matter what they deserve—simply because God has shown such immense grace to us.

In the parable, a servant who is forgiven an unpayable, astronomical debt by his king refuses to show mercy to a colleague who owes him only a tiny fraction of that amount.

Jesus closes the parable with a stern reminder that true forgiveness must come from the heart. Holding onto a grudge is spiritually hazardous because it implies that the wrongs done to us are greater than our own offenses against God.

But God offers more than a command to manage our anger; He provides specific guidance on how to respond to people who let us down. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to stop being mean and angry, and to be nice and caring instead, forgiving each other just as God forgave us. 

"Bearing with one another" in Colossians 3:13 means choosing not to let irritations become major issues by exercising patience and overlooking flaws before they turn into conflicts. 

In conclusion, the following practical steps incorporate the scriptures discussed to guide you through forgiveness.

• No More Scores: When Peter asked if forgiving seven times was sufficient, Jesus replied "seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:22), indicating that forgiveness should be limitless rather than a calculated, tallied action. 
• Cross-Centered Living: Find it hard to forgive? Look at the "Source". To follow Colossians 3:13—"Forgive as the Lord forgave you"—simply remember your own deep pardon from Christ. That memory is your strength to let go and release others. 
• Own Your Freedom: Unforgiveness is like carrying a backpack full of rocks—it harms you far more than the person who hurt you. Choosing to forgive means letting go of that burden, trusting God to handle justice, and stepping into your own freedom. 

Before We Finish:

• Is forgiveness necessarily about forgetting, restoring a relationship, or excusing a wrong? What are the biggest misconceptions here?
• What makes forgiving those we love more emotionally challenging than letting go of resentment toward someone we don't know?
• How does carrying a grudge against someone keep me from feeling free in God's grace?

As we finish today, remember that we forgive others not because they deserve it, but because God has already forgiven us. Following Colossians 3:13, we should extend the same limitless mercy that the King showed in Matthew 18 to everyone who has hurt us. 

Closing Prayer: "Father, thank you for the gift of salvation I could never earn. Please help me keep your mercy in my heart, and give me the strength to forgive others freely, just as you have forgiven me. Amen." 

Grace and peace,

Marlowe