Grudges
The sermon emphasizes the necessity of complete forgiveness and the transformative power of divine grace in overcoming grudges.
John Henry Jowett preaches on the commandment from Leviticus 19:11-18, emphasizing the profound demand for complete forgiveness without holding any grudges. He acknowledges the human struggle to meet this demand, as it requires letting go of all anger, revenge, and superiority towards the offender. Jowett highlights the impossibility of achieving this on our own, but through God's grace, our hearts can be transformed to create a new climate of goodwill and peace, where grudges and revenge have no place.
Text
"_Thou shalt not bear any grudge._"
--LEVITICUS xix. 11-18.
How searching is that demand upon the soul! My forgiveness of my brother
is to be complete. No sullenness is to remain, no sulky temper which so
easily gives birth to thunder and lightning. There is to be no painful
aloofness, no assumption of a superiority which rains contempt upon the
offender. When I forgive, I am not to carry any powder forward on the
journey. I am to empty out all my explosives, all my ammunition of anger
and revenge. I am not to "bear any grudge."
I cannot meet this demand. It is altogether beyond me. I might utter words
of forgiveness, but I cannot reveal a clear, bright, blue sky without a
touch of storm brewing anywhere. But the Lord of grace can do it for me.
He can change my weather. He can create a new climate. He can "renew a
right spirit within me," and in that holy atmosphere nothing shall live
which seeks to poison and destroy. Grudges shall die "like cloud-spots in
the dawn." Revenge, that awful creation of the unclean, feverish soul,
shall give place to goodwill, the strong genial presence which makes its
home in the new heart.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the command against grudges - The nature of true forgiveness - The emotional burden of holding grudges
- II points: - The impossibility of forgiveness without divine help - The transformation of the heart by grace - Creating a new climate of goodwill
- III points: - The consequences of harboring grudges - The importance of a clear spirit - The role of forgiveness in community
- IV points: - Practical steps to let go of grudges - The power of prayer in forgiveness - Living in the light of grace
Key Quotes
“When I forgive, I am not to carry any powder forward on the journey.” — John Henry Jowett
“Grudges shall die 'like cloud-spots in the dawn.'” — John Henry Jowett
“The Lord of grace can do it for me.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Reflect on any grudges you may be holding and seek to release them through prayer.
- Practice forgiveness daily, reminding yourself of the grace you have received.
- Engage in conversations that promote goodwill and understanding within your community.