Sermon Notes
by Rev. Richard W. LaFountain, all rights reserved.
UNDERSTANDING WHY WE MUST FORGIVE
(The Consequences of Unforgiveness)
Dangers and Diseases of Unforgiveness
ie. High Cost of getting even "Bear and Skunk"
ie. Holding onto a hot fence wire will only hurt you - let it go
ie. Holding on to a snake by the tail, you will get bitten
ie. Anger is RED LIGHT ON DASH - Symptoms of unforgiveness
- Who does bitterness and prolonged anger hurt?
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of
God.
- Does your unforgiveness hurt them, pay them back, or satisfy your
need for justice?
Without a doubt there are consequences of unforgiveness just as there
are consequences for offenses, transgressions, and sins.
1. Physical Consequences -
Dr. S.I. McMillan, M.D. -- None of these Diseases
--- Colitis - study showed "resentment" was most predominent personal
trait in 96% Ulcers - ie. Pierre student getting even for
grandfather's enemies
--- High Blood Pressure, heart disease, palpitations
--- Severe headaches
--- Sleepless nights, worry, fear, anger, sadness, depression
--- Emotional Outbursts -
i.e. "Verbal expressions of animosity toward others calls forth
certain hormones from the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, and other
glands, and excess of which can cause disease in any part of the
body." p71 McMillan
Diagram on page 82
Diagram on page 63
C Everett Coop 85% of diseases in hospitals are related to emotional
distress
2. Emotional/Psychological Consequences -
--- Upset mind= upset body
Depression - America's number one emotional disorder. 95% of the time
in clinical cases of depression ANGER (resentment, frustration) is the
root cause. There are other contributing causes to be sure but ANGER
or UNFORGIVING ATTITUDES are at the core.
--- FIND YOUR UNRESOLVED HOSTILITIES!!!
Suicide - hopelessness and despair - 10th leading cause of death in
USA. Every 20 seconds a death occurs by suicide. For every success
there are 10 unsuccessful attempts. 500,000+ per year
3. Spiritual Consequences -
--- Lost Peace - Philippians 4: "Think on these things."
--- "Many are defiled..." Bitterness is the house that anger built - a
prison house "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of
God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby
many be defiled;" - Heb 12:15
Bitterness leaves you the prisoner!
(i.e. Jimmy Carter - Iran, locked in White House)
Bitterness spreads like an infectious disease
Bitterness leaves its permanent mark on your face, life, and
relationships
--- Satan's advantage - 2 Cor 2:10-11
--- Disobedience - "Put away... Eph 4:31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians 4:31
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto
wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the
Lord. Romans 12:19
For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; Hebrews 2:2
Conclusion
Evaluate your UNFORGIVENESS:
- Who does bitterness and prolonged anger hurt?
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
- Does it hurt them, pay them back, or satisfy your need for justice?
- What needs to happen before you can forgive them? Write it down!
Action Steps:
- Think of someone who makes you angry or did you wrong.
- Why do they make you angry... what did they to do you?
- Tell somebody (talk about it - hidden resentment ferments)
- Is there some hurt that you still carry with you?
(Describe the hurt and how you feel when you see
them or think of them.)
- Write down your own misunderstanding and excuses for
not "letting go."
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