Great Prayers: Forgive Them

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

Well in twenty years of ministry I have preached the subject of "forgiveness" from every angle and I am not sure anyone ever likes it. I don't usually get a lot of "atta boy" emails the next Monday. The truth is it's not a subject that generally promotes church attendance, and it's not a subject that generates enthusiasm among the faithful. Now if I were to preach on retributional justice for those who have hurt us, well it might just be standing room only. I believe there are some things we all share in common; we have ALL been hurt by others, we have ALL hurt others and ALL of us have sinned against God. It's a crowded boat this forgiveness boat. You see, the Bible teaches comparative forgiveness, the forgiven are expected to forgive...end of story. So how do you pray for some one who has hurt you, when what you want to do is see Old Testament Justice incinerate them? Well I believe you have to go stand at the foot of the cross and face your own shortcomings and sins, then if your heart isn't completely stone you will get it, and the "it" is how much we have been forgiven. At least that is what I do. Not sure Sunday will be an easy day, it for sure won't be as funny and wonderful as Nathans sermon was last week, but I'm gonna preach it anyway. Who knows, it may be the sermon some of us need to hear most. See ya Sunday!