Learning to Forgive by Faith

Luke 17: 1-10 | Feb 21, 2021

Faith and forgiveness – such an odd couple.

– Faith is believing in something that you can’t see yet you believe it exists.

 

 

Forgiveness is believing in someone’s word that they have forgiven you even if

you can’t see the evidence at first or yet.

Thought: It does take faith to approach someone to ask them to forgive you or to offer them your forgiveness.

Giving forgiveness to someone is giving away your control over the situation that got you in this position in the first place.

It is more in our nature to hurt than to forgive. If you are the reason for the pain and the hurt, take note – “Woe to that person” because grief will come their way (vs. 1-2)

Note: vs. 2 A millstone (weighed 3,300 lbs. or 1.65 tons)

“To cause one of these little ones” Luke 18:15 NIV “People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them…”

Note: vs. 3 “Watch yourselves” (to be attentive; don’t get caught in this type of behavior)

Note: vss. 3-4 This is the principle of forgiveness. If he sins, rebuke him. If he repents,

forgive him.

Repentance and forgiveness make a match. (one makes you weak while the other gives you strength)

Note: vs. 4 This is the action of forgiveness. (Jewish law of forgiveness was three

times)

Note: vs. 5 “Increase our faith” Jesus had set a higher standard than the Jewish Law

required. How could they live up to such a standard? Faith!

What kind of faith could lead you to forgive in such amounts?

Note: vs. 6 Mustard seed/tree (smallest of seeds) Grew between 6-20’ tall.

Mulberry tree (bears a species of figs) A white mulberry tree can grow to 80’; a black

about 30’; a red to about 70’. To plant one of these trees in the sea would be

impossible.

– Both pulling it up and planting it in the sea are impossible tasks

– Is there such faith? Impossible faith?

Note: vs. 7-10 This is an illustration of power, command and authority.

– The Master has the right to command his servants. The servant must respond

appropriately

Note: vs. 10 “Do what I have told you to do.” Forgive. You have my authority to override

the Jewish Law. It is your duty as my servants

The faith of the Apostle’s was empowered by the Jesus, the Master. Forgive sins (John

20:19-23 NIV) It was their duty to do so.

Lessons learned here:

1. Sin happens to everyone

2. Don’t be the one to cause people to sin (especially little kids)

3. Forgiveness takes faith (they work hand in hand)

4. The power of forgiveness can move mightily (it might start small, but give it time

– its roots will grow deep)

5. It is our duty to be forgiving

Learning to forgive can happen when we live it out by faith.