(Clip) About Forgiveness and Bitterness
Zac Poonen teaches that true forgiveness involves a deliberate choice to not remember others' sins, preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and how God chooses not to remember our sins, even though He is aware of them. It highlights the power of choice in forgiveness, where we can exercise our will to forgive and choose not to remember the wrongs done to us, preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts and defiling ourselves and others.
Full Transcript
What sort of forgiveness do you want God to give you? Do you want him to say to you, I will not remember your sins and iniquities? Say that about other people also. Lord, I don't have control over my memory. There are a lot of things stored in my memory, I can't take it out.
So you will naturally remember in that sense, things that happened. God also remembers your sin and mine. But when he says, I will not remember, it doesn't mean he's forgotten.
There's a lot of difference between saying, I've forgotten all your sins. God doesn't say that. Hebrews 8.12 says, I will not remember.
Read the Bible exactly. God does not say, I have forgotten your sins. He has not forgotten.
Because Jesus told a story of a king who forgave a slave. And the slave went out and didn't forgive somebody else. The king called the slave back and says, I have not forgotten what you owe me paid back.
He unforgave the forgiveness he gave. He canceled it. God can cancel a forgiveness.
How does he do that? Because he remembers the sin. But Hebrews 8.12 says, I will not remember, which means I choose not to remember your sins. It's a choice God makes.
And that's all I have to do. If you ask me, I do remember the evil things that other people have done to me. But I choose not to remember when it comes up to me.
I say, I'm not going to remember it. I'm not going to choose. I exercise my will.
As you heard me often say, I live in my will. I don't live in my mind or my emotions. My emotions can fool me.
My mind also I cannot control. But my will, I choose to forgive. I choose not to remember.
When it comes to my mind, I say, no, I don't want to remember that. It may come to my mind a hundred times in the next few years. I choose not to remember.
After some time, it'll slowly stop coming, but it may come once in a while. I choose not to remember. So that way, I ensure there's no root of bitterness in our heart.
Very, very important. Because you can defile many people. You defile yourself and you defile a lot of others.
One of the first people you will defile is your husband or your wife with that root of bitterness against somebody, family member or whatever it is. Be very careful, my brothers. See how that sentence begins.
Don't come short of the grace of God by a root of bitterness remaining in your heart.
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding God's Forgiveness
- God chooses not to remember our sins, not because He forgets them
- Difference between forgetting and choosing not to remember
- Biblical basis from Hebrews 8:12
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II. Human Forgiveness and Its Challenges
- The story of the unforgiving slave illustrates consequences of unforgiveness
- God can cancel forgiveness if we do not forgive others
- The importance of exercising our will to forgive
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III. Choosing to Forgive and Avoid Bitterness
- Memory naturally recalls offenses but forgiveness is a choice
- Living by the will rather than emotions or mind
- Preventing bitterness to protect ourselves and others
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IV. Practical Warnings and Encouragement
- Bitterness defiles not only ourselves but also close relationships
- Do not fall short of God's grace by harboring bitterness
- Be vigilant about roots of bitterness in the heart
Key Quotes
“God does not say, I have forgotten your sins. He has not forgotten.” — Zac Poonen
“I choose not to remember when it comes up to me. I say, I'm not going to remember it.” — Zac Poonen
“Don't come short of the grace of God by a root of bitterness remaining in your heart.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Make a conscious daily decision to forgive those who have wronged you, exercising your will over your emotions.
- When painful memories arise, choose not to dwell on them to prevent bitterness from growing.
- Guard your heart against bitterness to maintain healthy relationships and remain in God's grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does God forget our sins when He forgives us?
No, God does not forget our sins literally but chooses not to remember them, which means He does not hold them against us.
Why is it important to forgive others?
Forgiving others prevents bitterness from taking root in our hearts and allows us to remain in God's grace.
Can God cancel forgiveness if we don't forgive others?
Yes, as illustrated in the parable of the unforgiving slave, God can cancel forgiveness if we refuse to forgive others.
How can I practically forgive when memories keep coming back?
You must exercise your will to choose not to remember the offense each time it comes to mind.
What is the danger of harboring bitterness?
Bitterness defiles yourself and can harm your relationships, including with your spouse and family.