SERIES:  Transformed By Passion

TITLE:  Don’t Hold That Grudge!

TEXT:   I Sam. 16: 5-13; 19:16-23; I Kings 2:8-9

“We are most like beasts when we kill. We are most like men when we judge. We are most like God when we forgive.”

“Forgiveness is surrendering my right to hurt you for hurting me.” Archibald Hart

I.  THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

Bitterness is like (a cancer). It takes root so deeply that it can’t be (extracted). It is a (progression) that starts small and grows.

II.  THE STORY OF ACTION

Turn to 2 Samuel 16. (p.268)

Two things to note:

1.  Shimei is a relative of (Saul). He would have been holding his grudge for (20 years).

2.  Shimei’s charges were (untrue). David didn’t switch the royal line; it was Saul’s (disobedience). David didn’t steal Saul’s throne; Saul (gave it up).

Pick story up in 2 Samuel 19. To David, showing mercy was a (sign of strength). How could David do this?

1.  His focus was on (God).

2.  He was aware of (his own failure).

End of story? Turn to I Kings 2:8-9 (p.281)

Some final thoughts:

1.  Develop a (thicker layer) of skin.

2.  Try to understand our (offender) and where (they are coming from).

3.  Try to remember times when you (needed forgiveness).

4.  Openly declare your forgiveness and (move on).

NEXT WEEK: Clash! Acts 15:36-41; Eph.4:29-32