Forget and Forgive
The sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and waiting on the Lord, rather than seeking vengeance, to find true deliverance and peace.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in the face of wrongdoing, urging believers not to seek revenge but to wait on the Lord for deliverance. He warns that acting out of anger can lead to unwise decisions and that holding onto grudges only prolongs pain. Instead, Spurgeon encourages letting go of offenses and trusting God to handle injustices, reminding us that true peace comes from surrendering our grievances to Him. By waiting on the Lord, we can find solace and assurance that He will provide a way of salvation. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a spirit of calmness and reliance on God's justice rather than engaging in petty conflicts.
Text
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee. (Proverbs 20:22)
Be not in haste. Let anger cool down. Say nothing and do nothing to avenge yourself. You will be sure to act unwisely if you take up the cudgels and fight your own battles; and, certainly, you will not show the spirit of the Lord Jesus, It is nobler to forgive and let the offense pass. To let an injury rankle in your bosom and to meditate revenge is to keep old wounds open and to make new ones. Better forget and forgive.
Peradventure, you say that you must do something or be a great loser; then do what this morning's promise advises: "Wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee." This advice will not cost you money but is worth far more, Be calm and quiet.
Wait upon the Lord; tell Him your grievance; spread Rabshakeh's letter before the Lord, and this of itself will be an ease to your burdened mind. Besides, there is the promise "He shall save thee." God will find a way of deliverance for you. How He will do it neither you nor I can guess, but do it He will, If the Lord saves you, this will be a deal better than getting into petty quarrels and covering yourself with filth by wrestling with the unclean, Be no more angry. Leave your suit with the Judge of all.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Vengeance
- The Benefits of Forgiveness
- Waiting on the Lord
- It does not cost money but is worth more
- It brings ease to the burdened mind
- God will find a way of deliverance
Key Quotes
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Better forget and forgive.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Be no more angry. Leave your suit with the Judge of all.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- When faced with an injury, choose to forgive and let the offense pass, rather than seeking revenge.
- Trust in God's promise to save you, rather than trying to take matters into your own hands.
- Calm down and be quiet in the face of anger by telling God your concerns and trusting in His deliverance.