Internal Re Mission Overcoming Unforgiveness Ephesians 4 30

Internal Re. Mission Overcoming Unforgiveness Ephesians 4: 30 -32

Ephesians 4: 30 -32 …And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you

“Grief” : the emotional turmoil of witnessing evil

“Grief” : the emotional turmoil of witnessing evil Grief at Sin can become Grievous Sin

“Grief” : the emotional turmoil of witnessing evil Grief at Sin can become Grievous Sin (31) “put away all this from you, along with all malice”

Overcoming Unforgiveness

Overcoming Unforgiveness 1. Accept that Forgiveness is Long-term (30) “I’ll forgive only if it solves my grief”

Overcoming Unforgiveness 1. Accept that Forgiveness is Long-term (30) “I’ll forgive only if it solves my grief” • consider: your offences and God’s grief: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God”

Overcoming Unforgiveness 1. Accept that Forgiveness is Long-term (30) “I’ll forgive only if it solves my grief” • consider: your offences and God’s grief: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” the grief might continue after forgiving yet: True Forgiveness outlives Grief (“sealed for the day of redemption”)

2. Give up your “revenge-rights” to God (31) “I’ll only release once you’ve paid”

2. Give up your “revenge-rights” to God (31) “I’ll only release once you’ve paid” (31) “Put away” = Let it be taken up (cf Col 2: 14)

2. Give up your “revenge-rights” to God (31) “I’ll only release once you’ve paid” (31) “Put away” = Let it be taken up (cf Col 2: 14) (32) “kind” = without demanding payment (cf Lk 6: 35 -36) “forgiving” = “freely giving”

2. Give up your “revenge-rights” to God (31) “I’ll only release once you’ve paid” (31) “Put away” = Let it be taken up (cf Col 2: 14) (32) “kind” = without demanding payment (cf Lk 6: 35 -36) “forgiving” = “freely giving” forgiveness is very costly yet: God has picked up your tab (“Christ forgave you”)

Bitterness, Wrath, Anger, Ranting, and Slander… Don’t grieve God by Possessing these; Be possessed by God and Grieve these!

3. Grieve FOR your debtors, not against them (32) “You’re lucky. Next time it won’t be pretty”

3. Grieve FOR your debtors, not against them (32) “You’re lucky. Next time it won’t be pretty” (31) “as God in Christ forgave you”

3. Grieve FOR your debtors, not against them (32) “You’re lucky. Next time it won’t be pretty” (31) “as God in Christ forgave you” (32) “kindhearted” = from the bowels of compassion (cf Col 3: 12) “Be imitators of God, therefore!” (5: 1 -2)

1. Accept that Forgiveness is Long-term (30) 2. Give up your “revenge-rights” to God (31) 3. Grieve for your debtors, not against them (32) Forgive!