Matthew 6:12-15
Introduction:
1. Despite knowing how we ought to treat others, conflicts are certain in every area of life.
2. How we handle wrongs done to us directly impacts how God handles wrongs done by us.
Discussion:
I. The Beauty of Reconciliation
A. God delights in unity and rejects division (Psalms 133; Ephesians 4:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Galatians 5:15).
B. He blesses peacemakers, calling them, “…sons of God” (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14).
II. The Originator of Reconciliation
A. This is so because He originated reconciliation (Romans 5:1-2, 6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21).
B. It flows from His perfect nature (Exodus 34:6-7; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Psalms 103:8; Isaiah 6:3-7).
III. The Peril of Refusing Reconciliation
A. Reconciliation is done in imitation of God (Matthew 5:43-48; Ephesians 4:32-5:1; 1 Peter 2:21-25).
B. Refusal is rebellion, bringing grave consequences (Matthew 5:21-24; 6:14-15; 18:21-35).
C. If we refuse to forgive what God will forgive, do we not in essence value ourselves above Him?
IV. Do We Forgive the Unrepentant?
A. We are to forgive, “…just as God in Christ forgave us” (Ephesians 4:32).
B. “Just as” translates a word indicating we forgive the same way He forgives us.
C. Does God place conditions on forgiveness and reconciliation? (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Hebrews 10:26-27, etc., etc., etc.)
D. Likewise, He set the conditions for the forgiveness we are to give (Luke 17:3-4).
Conclusion:
1. We cannot expect forgiveness from God if we refuse it to our peers.
2. God demands unity amongst His people, and such is impossible without reconciliation.
3. May we never be the one to impede the unity God desires!