2. Disease of the heart is serious.  “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov 4:23).  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Lk 6:45). One major source of heart disease is an unforgiving heart.  Joseph’s brothers.  Haman.

3. A healthy heart forgives.  “Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses” (Mk 11:25).  “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32). Jesus provides a powerful example.  “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Lk 23:34).  Jesus forgave His crucifiers.  These folks had done absolutely nothing to merit forgiveness.  But, forgiveness is the “Healer of Hearts.”

4. To forgive is to be like Jesus.

5. Luke 23:33-37

6. To forgive is to be like Jesus.

7. Scripture is full of folks who healed their hearts through forgiveness.  “Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus” (Acts 9:19).  The Corinthians & the man living with his father’s wife.  The church at Corinth needed to disfellowship him (1 Cor 5:1-13).  But, after his repentance, the church was to welcome him (2 Cor 2:5- 8).  Paul & Barnabas with John Mark (Acts 15:36-41).  John Mark turned back on the first Missionary Journey, and Paul refused to take him on the second.  “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim 4:11).

8. How do we forgive deep hurts?

9. Examine your own heart.  Think back over some hurts you have.  Get a list of ten hurts or so & make three columns.  In one column, put hurts where you were right & the other was wrong.  In the next column, put hurts where your pride was damaged or you were wrong.  In the third column, put hurts where you and the other party were both wrong.  Concentrate on the two columns where you are at least partially at fault.  Take those wrongs to God.  You might even need to go to the other person(s).

10. Ask God to forgive those who have wronged you.  That’s the example of Jesus.  What if the person isn’t a Christian?  Jesus’ prayer was answered at Pentecost.  Pray fervently for those who have wronged you.

11. www.preachinghelps.com