May 7. A Forgiving Spirit
J.R. Miller teaches that a truly forgiving spirit is essential for receiving God's forgiveness and experiencing His peace.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound connection between forgiving others and receiving God's forgiveness. He challenges believers to examine their hearts for bitterness and encourages the cultivation of a forgiving spirit as essential for true peace. Drawing from Matthew 6:12, Miller highlights the spiritual necessity of forgiveness in the Christian life.
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"Forgive us our sins — as we have forgiven those who sin against us." Matthew 6:12
The first part of this petition, "forgive us our sins" is not so hard to say. Most people are willing to confess, at least in a general way — that they have sinned.
But the second part is harder to repeat: "as we have forgiven those who sin against us." When someone has done us an injury, and we are feeling bitter over it — then it is not so easy to ask God to forgive us — as we forgive. Perhaps we do not forgive at all — but keep the bitter feeling in our heart against our brother.
What is it, then, that we ask God to do for us when we pray, "Forgive us — as we forgive"? God has linked blessing and duty together in this petition. If we will not forgive those who have wronged us — it is evident that we have not the spirit of penitence to which God grants forgiveness of sins. If we would enjoy the sweet peace of God in our own hearts — we must keep our minds free from all bitterness and anger and all feelings of unforgiveness.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the petition 'Forgive us our sins'
- The ease of confessing sin generally
- The challenge of forgiving others
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II
- The difficulty of forgiving those who have wronged us
- The presence of bitterness and unforgiveness in the heart
- How unforgiveness hinders our own forgiveness
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III
- God linking forgiveness to our willingness to forgive
- The spirit of penitence required for God's forgiveness
- The peace that comes from a forgiving heart
Key Quotes
“When someone has done us an injury, and we are feeling bitter over it — then it is not so easy to ask God to forgive us — as we forgive.” — J.R. Miller
“If we will not forgive those who have wronged us — it is evident that we have not the spirit of penitence to which God grants forgiveness of sins.” — J.R. Miller
“If we would enjoy the sweet peace of God in our own hearts — we must keep our minds free from all bitterness and anger and all feelings of unforgiveness.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Examine your heart for any bitterness or unforgiveness and choose to forgive those who have wronged you.
- Remember that your own forgiveness from God is connected to your willingness to forgive others.
- Seek to cultivate a spirit of penitence that humbly acknowledges sin and embraces God's grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it hard to forgive others?
Forgiving others can be difficult because of the bitterness and hurt caused by their wrongs, making it challenging to let go of anger.
What does 'forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us' mean?
It means that God's forgiveness toward us is connected to our willingness to forgive others.
How does unforgiveness affect our relationship with God?
Unforgiveness can block the spirit of penitence and prevent us from receiving God's full forgiveness and peace.
Can we experience God's peace without forgiving others?
No, true peace from God requires that we free our hearts from bitterness and forgive those who have wronged us.
What is the spirit of penitence?
It is a humble and repentant heart that acknowledges sin and seeks God's forgiveness, which is linked to forgiving others.