The Session: Forgiveness versus Unforgiveness, from Dr. Paul Tripp

(Ephesians 4:31-5:2) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

First, an introduction. Dr. Paul David Tripp was born in Toledo. He is a pastor, international event speaker, and author of more than 30 books and video series. He defines forgiveness in a single, simple sentence: Forgiveness is a vertical commitment followed by a horizontal transaction. What we are going to share is a summary of several articles and videos Dr. Tripp has done on forgiveness. His website is Paul Tripp dot com.

The Beautiful Power of Relational Debt

• Holding on to someone else’s wrongs gives us the upper hand
• Holding a record of a person’s wrongs gives us the upper hand in that relationship

The Dark Unhealthy Benefits of Unforgiveness

• Debt is power. It protects us in an unhealthy way.
• Debt is identity. It helps us feel more righteous and mature than the person we’re angry at.
• Debt is entitlement holding another person. Send against them makes us feel entitled.
• We can weaponize unforgiveness and use it for our advantage

Unforgiveness makes us equal with God

• It is not our job to dispense consequences to those who have hurt us

The Ugly Selfishness of Relational Unforgiveness

It has nothing to do with God and loving others

The Beauty of Forgiveness

The beauty of leading a life of forgiveness shows us how much we have embraced our forgiveness of our sins.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

After pleading with his his master for forgiveness and being granted forgiveness, he goes out and demands repayment from people who owed him. Matthew 18:21-35

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To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.