Hard things become easy in His presence

• "The yoke" = wooden beam = “cross”
• The cross brings us into the presence of God where it’s EASY.
• If its heavy, you’re carrying something you shouldn’t be carrying!
• “Everything is easy in His Presence!”

Question
How many want to spiritually grow?

You must grow in forgiveness if you want to spiritually grow!

- Healthy people forgive. Unhealthy people don’t forgive!
- Spiritually mature people forgive. Spiritually immature people don’t forgive!
- People who know God forgive. People that don’t know God don’t forgive.
- Spirit led people forgive. Flesh (carnal) led people don’t forgive.
- Godly people forgive. Ungodly people don’t forgive.

Question
Why is forgiveness so hard?

Forgiving those that have been unjust, evil, wicked or vile is the hardest thing in the world to do. Let’s make it easy!

There are over 200 scriptures referring to forgiveness.

The word "debts" is used here does not mean that we are "debtors to God," but that our sins have a resemblance to debts.

Debt
opheiléma (of-i'-lay-mah) - that which is owed, a debt, offense, sin. A duty unfulfilled is a debt unpaid.

Mercy is undeserved kindness.

Question
Who needs forgiveness?

Everyone!

Question
What needs to be forgiven?

Sin & people!

Sin
Fundamentally missing the mark. A violation of God’s standards!

Question
Where do I forgive?

In your daily encounter!

Practical Advice
Forgive and still set healthy boundaries.

Practical Advice
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you who you need to forgive.

Question
Why do I need to forgive?

Because we love God!

Practical Advice
Ask yourself, “How much do I love God?”

We forgive because God told us to!

Forgiveness pleases the Lord!

You’re never more like Jesus then when you’re forgiving!
- God sees His reflection in man through forgiveness!
- Forgiveness is not optional for spiritual growth!

We forgive people because we love God!

Question
How much do I have to forgive?

As much as God forgave you!

Practical Advice
Forgive and still set healthy boundaries.

WARNING
You can forgive and still be friendly without being close friends.

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a life of rejecting God!

3 Hard Issues That Need Forgiveness

1. The racial divide

Samaritans were of the nation which the Jews most despised and hated. Jews would have no dealings with Samaritans!

Only forgiveness will heal our racial divide!

3 Hard Issues That Need Forgiveness

2. Betrayal / Rejection

Jesus washed the feet of Judas knowing he would betray Him!

3 Hard Issues That Need Forgiveness

3. Abuse
- Jesus was a victim of lies and ridicule. He was spit upon (Mark 14:65)
- Jesus had a crown of thorns embedded into His head (Mark 15:17)
- Jesus was flogged (Matthew 27:26)
- Jesus was beat for no reason (Mark 15:19)
- Jesus carried His own cross (Matthew 27)
- Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:24)

Question
Why is forgiveness so hard?

Benediction Statement
Teach us Your ways that we may know You and find Your favor.

- It is easy to receive forgiveness in the Master’s presence.
- When the one forgiven of much left the King’s presence, he had a hard time forgiving!
- If he would have remained in the Master’s presence, it would have been easy to forgive!

Some things are easy to forgive, and some things are hard to forgive, but hard things become easy in the presence of God!

Forgiveness is hard when you’re trying to forgive sin. That’s God’s job! Forgiveness is easy when it’s forgiving a person!