Your Resentments
The next thing Sangster says in his sermon is this. Let me read it. “There is something else I want you to forget besides your embarrassments and your sins. I want you to forget the hurtful things that have been done against you.
In the Lord’s Prayer we say, ‘forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ You need forgiveness yourself. I want you to forget the sins of those who have sinned against you.”
Being Rid of the Poison
Then he says: “Have you been sinned against? Has somebody slandered you or done you the deepest injury? Are you nursing the hope of revenge in your heart? Forget it. Forget that, For your own sake and for God’s sake, cast it out of your heart now. However justified your resentment is, to harbour that resentment is to poison yourself. Be rid of that poison.”
Then he says: “If it seems easy for me to say this, remember that I realise how hard it must be for some of you to do it. I realise that you can’t do it alone, only by the special help of God can you deal with these deep resentments? But the help is available. Claim the help now! From every bit of memory of it which is damaging for you to recall, ask God in His mercy to make you forget.”
Asking God for Help to Forgive
Is that you today? Do you need to forget the way that somebody has offended you or hurt you?
Go to God with it, friends. Go to God with it the moment you stop listening here, Confess that resentment and bitterness in your heart and ask Him to help you to forget it, to take it out of your heart. Take it out of your mind. Release that pain to God.
I know that He’s willing. I know that He’s willing to help you forget it, and move over it.
Remember how much He has loved you. Remember how much He has forgiven you. Remember how He could resent you for the sin in your life, but He doesn’t. He chooses to forgive! And then offer that same forgiveness to whoever it is that has hurt you. And you will find such freedom when you do.
Stephen's story reminds us that Christians have always paid a price for their faith - and calls us to ask whether we are willing to do the same.