Forgiveness

Romans 12:14-21 Brotherly Love

As adults we have had plenty of time to accumulate disappointments and resentments. Grudges form and hard through time. We all have, and have been, mistreated---an unfair coach, a cruel teacher, the church itself has all been part of and received mistreatment. Families and churches and nations get damaged.  In short, we all have battle scars. 

I think about Joseph in Genesis

Hate. It does so much damage.V.14 He was the recipient of hate.

1. I think of Joseph, sold by his brothers at an early age, had years to accumulate hate. They sold him into slavery. That’s the ultimate persecution and expression of hate.

2. The world hates Christianity yet we cannot hate the world and what it does to us. As Andy said, this is much easier to discuss than to actually do it.

3. We are not to perpetuate this hate, especially amongst ourselves. We are to be the firewall to the worlds hate.

4. We are to pray for them, echoing Christ’s example of non-retaliation

Empathize and Reconcile (vv. 15-16): Actively share in the joys and sorrows of others to build community, avoiding arrogance or favoritism

1. Joseph allowed his brothers to share in his good fortune. He was also sorry for the estrangement between him and his brothers.

2. Jesus washed feet to show humility towards others

No Retaliation (vv. 17-19): Never pay back evil for evil. 

1. Christians are to live at peace with everyone as much as possible, leaving justice to God's wrath, not personal vendettas.

2. Jospeh did not retaliate, and God used it for good. He also uses Satan as an unwilling servant.

Overcome Evil with Good (vv. 20-21)

1. Treat enemies with kindness (feeding/giving drink) to shame their hatred and potentially lead them to repentance, effectively defeating evil with positive action.

2. Willis Wilson – How to kill your enemies. With kindness

3. All of this is pleasing to God and an added benefit is it gives us peace between us and God