Unforgiveness is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in our walk with the Lord. Jeff uses the parable of the unforgiving servant to share with us how unforgiveness hardens our hearts, immobilizes us spiritually, and prevents us from appreciating God’s mercy with our own brokenness.
Snippet from the Show
There is a relationship between us being forgiven and us forgiving others. If you struggle with unforgiveness, remember what Jesus did for you on the Cross.
Shownotes
Unforgiveness is a Trap:
The “Skandalon” is the name of the part of the trap where you put the cheese. It comes from the idea of a “bait stick.” To be offended is to be trapped.
A trap is designed to:
- Not look like a trap
- Be stronger than its victim
What happens when we don’t forgive?
- Exile & Return
- God delivered them and expected Israel to treat the nations as they were treated (Exodus 7:16)
- Jubilee: Every 50 years at Jubilee was proclaimed. Slaves were returned to their family and land is returned. Liberty should be proclaimed throughout the land. Israel failed to release and extend liberty and as a result, Judah went into Babylonian captivity in 587 BC. Jeremiah 34 describes the whole thing.
- Jesus proclaims the great Jubilee in the synagogue. (Luke 4:18–19 )
“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”– 1 Peter 1:18-19
“The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” – Matt 27:21
Barabbas means “son of the father.”
The Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6:12)
A Parable about Forgiveness (Matt 18:21-35)
“Forgiveness is to pardon someone who offended, hurt, or attacked us. It implies there is guilt in the offender, regardless of whether there is repentance, sorrow, or contrition. We can forgive those who have not even ask for our forgiveness. We are asked to forgive our enemies, to love them, and to pray for them.” – The Catholicism Answer Book
Resources
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- Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Jeff’s shownotes email list
- Visit Jeff’s website at www.jeffcavins.com
- The Great Adventure Bible
- Listen to the Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Pilgrimages with Jeff
- Jeff’s Show with Jonathan Roumie: www.hallow.com/jeffcavins
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings
Meet Your Host: Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Though he was born Catholic, Jeff went to Bible school and served as a protestant minister for twelve years before reverting to the Catholic Faith. Jeff then received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since then, he has become a leading Catholic evangelist and author.
Jeff created The Bible Timeline learning system, which revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for millions of Catholics. Since its introduction, Jeff has developed The Great Adventure series of Bible studies to help people better understand Sacred Scripture and its meaning for their lives.
