2/12/23 - Don’t Take Revenge - Matthew

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, "Revenge is a dish best served cold.” What I think this means is that if you wait to pay it back, the wound will be deeper.
The message this Sunday is for anyone who has ever held a grudge. It is for anyone who has wanted to get revenge on another person. It is for those who have been mistreated and wanted to settle the score. In other words, this message is for every one of us.
The message is also for anyone who has felt the pain of a broken and damaged relationship that is yet to be restored. You see, the thing that ultimately destroys every relationship is the inability to forgive. It actually isn’t the offense, it's the withholding of forgiveness that causes the long term damage in your life.
Fact #1: In this life you will be wounded and wronged and you will do this to others.
Fact #2: In the church we will not always get a long with each other.
Jesus talked about these things…a lot. He said in this world you will have tribulation because the world is fallen and broken and filled with imperfect people. The US has more lawyers per capita than any other nation - over one million. Roughly one lawyer for every 300 people. That’s a lot of litigation from people who don’t trust each other. In the Bible there are several examples of Christians having to be reconciled to one another. In fact there’s an entire letter, Philemon, that is meant to promote unity between two Christian brothers that are divided. Paul asks this question to Christians living in the city of Corinth 2000 years ago: "Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers?”
Forgiveness should be normal amongst God’s people.
Why is this important? Because it’s the way we deal with these offenses that determines the nature of our relationships. It’s true in your marriage, your friendships and in the church. When we withhold forgiveness, there grows a root of bitterness within us. Forgiveness has much to do with your own well-being. If you don’t forgive, then you will become angry and retaliate. This is human nature. Your heart will be filled with thoughts of revenge and this isn’t good for your soul. Jesus speaks directly to your hurt because he cares for you. He knows it well himself: forgiveness frees you to enjoy relationships and live with peace in your heart.