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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Good Grace Relationships (Part 2) | April 17, 2026
- ♪ music ♪
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- From the pulpit of the first baptist church
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- Of dallas, texas,
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- This is "pathway to victory"
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- With dr. robert jeffress.
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- Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
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- And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
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- The bible clearly instructs us
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- To forgive those who wrong us,
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- Just as god has forgiven us.
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- But what exactly does forgiveness entail?
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- Are we just supposed to brush off any and all wrongdoing?
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- And what are the next steps once forgiveness takes place?
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- Today, i'm going to show you what it looks like
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- To apply good grace
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- To the area of forgiveness and reconciliation.
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- My message is titled "good grace relationships"
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- On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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- ♪ when peace ♪
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- ♪ like a river ♪
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- ♪ attendeth my way ♪
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- ♪ when sorrows ♪
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- ♪ like sea billows roll ♪
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- ♪ whatever my lot ♪
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- ♪ thou hast taught me to say ♪
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- ♪ it is well ♪
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- ♪ with my soul ♪
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- ♪ it is well ♪
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- ♪ with my soul ♪
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- ♪ it is well ♪
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- ♪ with my soul ♪
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- ♪ o lord, haste the day ♪
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- ♪ when my faith shall be sight ♪
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- ♪ the clouds be rolled back ♪
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- ♪ as a scroll ♪
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- ♪ the trump shall resound ♪
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- ♪ and the lord shall descend ♪
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- ♪ even so, it is well ♪
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- ♪ with my soul ♪
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- ♪ it is well ♪
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- ♪ with my soul ♪
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- ♪ it is well ♪
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- ♪ it is well ♪
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- ♪ with my soul ♪
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- ♪ amen ♪
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- (congregation cheering and clapping)
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- Some christians use grace
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- As a spiritual get-out-of-jail-free card.
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- Others pile on so many rules,
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- They have no grace for themselves or others.
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- In "grace gone wild,"
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- Dr. robert jeffress shows you
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- What biblical grace actually looks like
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- And how practicing it leads to true freedom and lasting joy.
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- Discover how grace can transform your marriage,
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- Your relationships, and your walk with god.
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- Request "grace gone wild"
- 00:04:11.741 --> 00:04:13.543
- When you give a generous ministry gift
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- To "pathway to victory."
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- ♪ music ♪
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- And it's the same way when we forgive somebody,
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- We can release our right to seek vengeance from them.
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- But what we can't do is relieve them
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- Of the punishment they may face from others.
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- For example, when laura said,
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- "janet, i forgive you for embezzling the money,"
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- What she was doing is she was letting go of her right
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- To demand repayment for the funds,
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- To sue janet in court for the funds.
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- She was giving up the right to continually remind her
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- Of the mistakes she had made.
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- But what laura couldn't do
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- Through her forgiveness was relieve janet
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- Of the guilt she may have felt.
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- She couldn't relieve her of the wrath of her husband
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- That janet may face.
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- She couldn't even relieve her of the legal action
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- That the bank might take against her
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- For writing a hot check.
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- There's a difference
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- Between vengeance and justice.
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- The fact is, just vengeance,
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- And i want you to write this down, a great definition,
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- Vengeance is the desire to make others suffer
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- For the wrongs they've committed against us.
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- Vengeance is the desire to make others suffer
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- For the wrongs they've committed against us.
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- And the bible says we're to give up vengeance.
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- In romans 12, beginning with verse 17,
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- Paul says, "never pay back evil for evil to anyone.
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- Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
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- If possible, so far as it depends on you,
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- Be at peace with all men.
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- Never take your own revenge, beloved,
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- But leave room for the wrath of god,"
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- In other words, let god settle the score for you,
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- "for it is written,
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- 'vengeance is mine, i will repay,' says the lord."
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- When you forgive somebody, you're giving up your right,
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- Your desire for vengeance
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- To see them suffer for what they've done to you.
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- We're to give up vengeance,
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- But we can never give up justice,
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- Our desire for justice.
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- What is justice?
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- Write it down.
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- Justice is the payment that god or others might seek
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- From our offender.
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- Psalm 37:28 says, "god loves justice."
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- Somebody has to make things right.
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- Somebody does have to settle the score.
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- It just can't be us,
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- The ones who have been offended.
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- We have to let somebody else do it.
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- Genesis 9:6 says,
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- "whoever sheds man's blood,
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- By man his blood shall also be shed."
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- The bible demands that somebody settle the score.
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- It can't be the victim,
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- But it can be god
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- Or, in god's place, government.
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- That's the difference between vengeance and justice.
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- You know, you see a great illustration of that difference
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- Between vengeance and justice
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- In the old testament story of david.
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- Remember later in david's reign,
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- There is a man who just dealt him misery
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- Until the time he died.
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- He was a man named shimei.
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- And every time shimei would see king david,
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- He would hurl rocks at him,
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- Both literal rocks and verbal rocks.
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- But he was always slinging rocks at david.
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- And while he was doing it,
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- He was reminding david of all of the mistakes he made.
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- "david, remember that night with bathsheba
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- That everybody found out about?"
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- Or he would remind him about his own son, absalom,
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- Who had led a rebellion against him.
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- What a hurtful experience in david's life.
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- He was continually reminding him of all of his failures
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- While he threw the rocks at david.
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- And one day, david's friend had had enough.
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- He said, "david, let me handle this for you.
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- If it's okay with you,
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- I'm going to separate his head from the rest of his body."
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- (congregation laughing)
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- Now, if i were david,
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- I would say, "go at it."
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- But david's response was remarkable.
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- In 2 samuel 16:11,
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- He said to his friend abishai,
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- "leave shimei alone and let him curse,
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- For the lord has told him."
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- What do you mean the lord has told him?
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- David believed that god had allowed this persecutor
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- In his life to remind him of his failures
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- So that he would never be tempted to stray again.
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- And yet,
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- After that gracious response,
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- When david was on his deathbed,
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- You know what he told his son solomon to do?
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- "first executive order you need to issue
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- When you ascend the throne is get rid of shimei.
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- Put him to death."
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- What made david change his mind?
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- Was he overwhelmed with a new case of bitterness?
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- No.
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- He knew that if shimei were allowed to continue,
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- It would hurt the kingdom of god.
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- He needed to be dealt with,
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- But he needed to be dealt with by another person.
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- David knew if he dealt with shimei,
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- It would be bitterness, it would be vengeance.
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- But if somebody else dealt with him,
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- It would be justice.
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- The bible says that when we forgive somebody,
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- We give up our right for vengeance,
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- But we never give up our desire for justice.
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- Number three, and this is so key,
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- The most important principle about good grace, forgiveness,
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- Good grace understands
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- That while forgiveness can be granted,
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- Reconciliation must be earned.
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- In our study we did with barna research,
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- The most pervasive myth about forgiveness
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- Is perhaps one you're holding onto as well,
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- And that is,
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- We can only forgive those people
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- Who are willing to ask for forgiveness.
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- This myth says it's impossible
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- To forgive somebody who doesn't show repentance
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- Or somebody who doesn't ask for forgiveness.
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- The problem with that is,
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- If you make your forgiveness
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- Dependent upon what another person does or doesn't do,
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- You remain a prisoner of bitterness
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- Until they choose to ask.
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- You know, jesus had a word about that in mark 11:25-26.
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- He talked about whether or not it's possible
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- To unconditionally forgive somebody
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- Who never asked for your forgiveness.
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- Look at verse 25 of mark 11.
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- "whenever you stand praying, forgive,
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- If you have anything against anyone,
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- So that your father who is in heaven
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- Will also forgive you your transgressions.
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- But if you do not forgive,
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- Neither will your father who is in heaven
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- Forgive your transgressions."
- 00:11:06.989 --> 00:11:09.558
- Now, here's the situation jesus has in mind.
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- You're sitting there,
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- You're watching online right now,
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- You're listening to the message,
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- And all of a sudden god brings to your mind,
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- Or you bring to your own mind somebody who hurt you,
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- Somebody who wronged you.
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- Maybe it was your boss last week
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- Who made an unkind comment about your work.
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- Maybe the person who comes to your mind is a mate,
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- A former mate who betrayed you, cheated on you,
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- And the result was a divorce.
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- Maybe the person who comes to your mind is a parent
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- Who many years ago abused you in some way as a child.
- 00:11:42.525 --> 00:11:46.762
- Now, what are you supposed to do with that hurt?
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- That employer who offended you,
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- He's not sitting next to you
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- To ask you for your forgiveness.
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- That mate from whom you're divorced,
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- You don't even know where they are.
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- They can't or won't ask you for forgiveness.
- 00:12:03.012 --> 00:12:06.248
- And that parent who abused you in some way,
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- They're dead, they're at the cemetery right now,
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- They can't ask for forgiveness.
- 00:12:12.154 --> 00:12:13.689
- So are you going to be a prisoner
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- Of bitterness the rest of your life?
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- What are you to do with that offense?
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- Jesus said, right there,
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- While you're in your pew or watching this service,
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- What are you to do?
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- Forgive.
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- You've got the ability right where you are right now
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- To let go of that offense.
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- Why should you do that?
- 00:12:34.276 --> 00:12:36.011
- Well, jesus commanded it.
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- He linked it to god's forgiveness of you.
- 00:12:37.413 --> 00:12:39.982
- But beyond the spiritual obligation we have to forgive,
- 00:12:39.982 --> 00:12:43.085
- There's a practical benefit to forgiving.
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- When you refuse to forgive,
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- You hold onto resentment.
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- That word resent means to feel again.
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- That is, when you refuse to let go of that offense,
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- You remain tied to the person who wronged you.
- 00:12:57.833 --> 00:13:01.136
- And as you relive that offense,
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- You experience it all over again and again.
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- The only thing worse
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- Than being hurt one time is being hurt multiple times
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- By the same person.
- 00:13:10.412 --> 00:13:11.814
- And yet when you turn over that offense,
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- That's exactly what happens.
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- I remember when i was in high school,
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- I went with my good friend david dunlap
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- To go see a movie.
- 00:13:20.155 --> 00:13:22.458
- It was one of those b movies,
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- It was called "the incredible 2-headed man."
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- Did you ever see "the incredible 2-headed man"?
- 00:13:27.963 --> 00:13:30.799
- It was a terrible movie.
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- It was about this guy,
- 00:13:32.334 --> 00:13:34.670
- Well, i won't go into all the details,
- 00:13:34.670 --> 00:13:36.906
- But it was a guy with two heads.
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- And the two actors,
- 00:13:39.308 --> 00:13:41.143
- Who were definitely at the bottom of their career in this,
- 00:13:41.143 --> 00:13:43.846
- Ray milland and rosey grier,
- 00:13:43.846 --> 00:13:46.181
- And ray milland was the good guy,
- 00:13:46.181 --> 00:13:49.218
- And rosey grier had his head right on him
- 00:13:49.218 --> 00:13:51.720
- And he was the bad guy.
- 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:53.489
- And rosey grier was always tormenting the good guy,
- 00:13:53.489 --> 00:13:56.792
- Ray milland, with taunts and sarcastic comments
- 00:13:56.792 --> 00:13:59.929
- And so forth.
- 00:13:59.929 --> 00:14:01.096
- But i thought,
- 00:14:01.096 --> 00:14:01.931
- As bad as that movie is,
- 00:14:01.931 --> 00:14:03.399
- It is a perfect example of what it is
- 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:06.535
- To remain emotionally bound to the person
- 00:14:06.535 --> 00:14:10.572
- Who wants to hurt you over and over again.
- 00:14:10.572 --> 00:14:14.576
- But when you forgive somebody,
- 00:14:14.576 --> 00:14:16.845
- You are surgically removing yourself, if you will,
- 00:14:16.845 --> 00:14:19.882
- From that other person.
- 00:14:19.882 --> 00:14:21.517
- When you forgive somebody,
- 00:14:21.517 --> 00:14:23.385
- What you're saying is,
- 00:14:23.385 --> 00:14:25.087
- If not to them, at least to yourself,
- 00:14:25.087 --> 00:14:27.323
- "what this person did was wrong.
- 00:14:27.323 --> 00:14:29.692
- They deserve to pay for what they've done to me.
- 00:14:29.692 --> 00:14:32.861
- But i'm not going to remain bound to them any longer.
- 00:14:32.861 --> 00:14:35.698
- I'm going to separate myself from them
- 00:14:35.698 --> 00:14:37.866
- And let god settle the score."
- 00:14:37.866 --> 00:14:40.436
- That's what forgiveness is.
- 00:14:40.436 --> 00:14:43.305
- When you refuse to do that,
- 00:14:43.305 --> 00:14:45.407
- It's like somebody said,
- 00:14:45.407 --> 00:14:46.942
- "drinking rat poison and waiting for the rat to die."
- 00:14:46.942 --> 00:14:51.013
- Bitterness hurts you much more
- 00:14:51.013 --> 00:14:52.982
- Than it does the other person.
- 00:14:52.982 --> 00:14:54.917
- While you're turning that offense over and over
- 00:14:54.917 --> 00:14:57.052
- In your mind again,
- 00:14:57.052 --> 00:14:58.320
- They have no idea that you're doing that.
- 00:14:58.320 --> 00:15:00.456
- They're free to go on and do whatever they want to do.
- 00:15:00.456 --> 00:15:03.826
- S.i. mcmillen in his book "none of these diseases"
- 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:07.563
- Describes the scenario perfectly when he says,
- 00:15:07.563 --> 00:15:11.066
- "the moment i start hating a man, i become his slave.
- 00:15:11.066 --> 00:15:15.304
- He even controls my thoughts.
- 00:15:15.304 --> 00:15:17.940
- I can't escape his tyrannical grasp on my mind.
- 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:21.777
- When the waiter serves me steak,
- 00:15:21.777 --> 00:15:23.779
- It might as well be stale bread and water.
- 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:27.082
- The man i hate will not permit me to enjoy it."
- 00:15:27.082 --> 00:15:32.388
- That's why the bible says if somebody wrongs you,
- 00:15:33.389 --> 00:15:35.924
- You've got the ability to forgive right now, to let go,
- 00:15:35.924 --> 00:15:39.962
- Regardless of what your offender does or doesn't do.
- 00:15:39.962 --> 00:15:44.033
- Forgiveness is unconditional,
- 00:15:44.666 --> 00:15:47.169
- It can be granted,
- 00:15:47.169 --> 00:15:48.871
- But reconciliation is a completely different story.
- 00:15:48.871 --> 00:15:53.609
- Reconciliation has to be earned
- 00:15:53.609 --> 00:15:56.912
- By the person who has wronged you.
- 00:15:56.912 --> 00:16:00.082
- Forgiveness has no strings attached to it.
- 00:16:00.949 --> 00:16:04.019
- Reconciliation has a number of strings attached to it.
- 00:16:04.019 --> 00:16:08.290
- Remember in romans 12:18, paul said,
- 00:16:08.290 --> 00:16:11.193
- "if possible, so far as it depends upon you,
- 00:16:11.193 --> 00:16:15.931
- Be at peace with all men."
- 00:16:15.931 --> 00:16:18.500
- But it doesn't always just depend upon you.
- 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:21.336
- Sometimes being in unity with those who've wronged you
- 00:16:21.336 --> 00:16:23.872
- Depends upon them as well.
- 00:16:23.872 --> 00:16:26.275
- Let me mention three of the strings
- 00:16:26.275 --> 00:16:29.011
- On which reconciliation depends.
- 00:16:29.011 --> 00:16:32.247
- First of all,
- 00:16:32.247 --> 00:16:33.415
- Reconciliation demands repentance.
- 00:16:33.415 --> 00:16:37.719
- In our little scenario at the beginning of the message,
- 00:16:37.719 --> 00:16:40.255
- Laura could forgive janet for embezzling the funds.
- 00:16:40.255 --> 00:16:43.592
- But for them to go back into business together, if ever,
- 00:16:43.592 --> 00:16:48.263
- Janet would have to certainly repent of what she had done.
- 00:16:48.263 --> 00:16:51.967
- That means admit that what she did was wrong,
- 00:16:51.967 --> 00:16:55.137
- Demonstrate remorse for it.
- 00:16:55.137 --> 00:16:57.072
- And if she's unwilling to do that,
- 00:16:57.072 --> 00:16:59.575
- Not only can their business probably not be saved,
- 00:16:59.575 --> 00:17:02.211
- Their friendship won't be saved either.
- 00:17:02.211 --> 00:17:04.880
- Do you remember in amos 3:3,
- 00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:07.082
- The prophet said,
- 00:17:07.082 --> 00:17:08.517
- "how can two people walk together lest they be agreed?"
- 00:17:08.517 --> 00:17:13.255
- Now, that verse originally referred to israel
- 00:17:14.189 --> 00:17:16.091
- And god walking hand in hand.
- 00:17:16.091 --> 00:17:19.194
- They were not having fellowship.
- 00:17:19.194 --> 00:17:20.762
- Their fellowship had been broken
- 00:17:20.762 --> 00:17:22.164
- Because israel was continuing to sin,
- 00:17:22.164 --> 00:17:24.633
- Saying, "we haven't sinned."
- 00:17:24.633 --> 00:17:25.901
- And god said, "oh, yes, you have sinned."
- 00:17:25.901 --> 00:17:27.803
- And the prophet's saying,
- 00:17:27.803 --> 00:17:29.171
- "if israel and god can't agree on this,
- 00:17:29.171 --> 00:17:33.075
- About israel's sin,
- 00:17:33.075 --> 00:17:34.243
- They can't have fellowship together."
- 00:17:34.243 --> 00:17:36.044
- It's the same way in a relationship
- 00:17:36.044 --> 00:17:37.613
- With somebody who's wronged you.
- 00:17:37.613 --> 00:17:39.481
- If a family member,
- 00:17:39.481 --> 00:17:40.749
- If a friend has hurt you and hurt you deeply,
- 00:17:40.749 --> 00:17:44.419
- And yet they're unwilling to admit that,
- 00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:46.855
- You aren't agreed on that,
- 00:17:46.855 --> 00:17:48.290
- It's going to break fellowship.
- 00:17:48.290 --> 00:17:50.826
- A reconciliation begins with a need for repentance.
- 00:17:50.826 --> 00:17:54.696
- You can forgive them,
- 00:17:54.696 --> 00:17:56.031
- But you can't be reconciled to them.
- 00:17:56.031 --> 00:17:58.500
- Secondly, reconciliation sometimes demands restitution.
- 00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:03.672
- Again, back to laura and janet.
- 00:18:04.306 --> 00:18:06.208
- Laura can forgive her,
- 00:18:06.208 --> 00:18:07.676
- Janet can be repentant of what she did,
- 00:18:07.676 --> 00:18:11.113
- But laura has every right to ask,
- 00:18:11.113 --> 00:18:12.648
- "what about the $1,500?
- 00:18:12.648 --> 00:18:14.783
- I mean, before we go back into business again,
- 00:18:15.751 --> 00:18:17.653
- There needs to be some restitution here."
- 00:18:17.653 --> 00:18:20.622
- Not before forgiveness is granted,
- 00:18:20.622 --> 00:18:22.824
- But before reconciliation can be earned.
- 00:18:22.824 --> 00:18:26.995
- Remember zacchaeus, luke 19?
- 00:18:27.596 --> 00:18:31.733
- He was a tax collector
- 00:18:31.733 --> 00:18:32.935
- Who cheated people every way he could
- 00:18:32.935 --> 00:18:35.737
- And he met jesus.
- 00:18:35.737 --> 00:18:37.206
- And what was his first instinct
- 00:18:37.206 --> 00:18:39.174
- As soon as jesus forgave him?
- 00:18:39.174 --> 00:18:42.177
- Zacchaeus stood up and said,
- 00:18:42.177 --> 00:18:43.412
- "i will repay everyone i have cheated
- 00:18:43.412 --> 00:18:46.381
- Four times the amount i have taken from them."
- 00:18:46.381 --> 00:18:50.352
- Don't ever confuse revenge with restitution.
- 00:18:51.286 --> 00:18:53.755
- Revenge is my desire to see my offender suffer
- 00:18:53.755 --> 00:18:56.658
- For what he's done,
- 00:18:56.658 --> 00:18:57.926
- But restitution is what my offender wants to do
- 00:18:57.926 --> 00:19:02.097
- To make repayment for the wrong he has committed.
- 00:19:02.097 --> 00:19:05.234
- If you're going to be reconciled to somebody,
- 00:19:05.234 --> 00:19:07.035
- They have to be willing to make restitution.
- 00:19:07.035 --> 00:19:09.504
- And thirdly,
- 00:19:09.504 --> 00:19:10.772
- Reconciliation demands rebuilding trust.
- 00:19:10.772 --> 00:19:18.380
- For example, a woman being physically abused by her husband.
- 00:19:19.581 --> 00:19:24.353
- She has not only the right,
- 00:19:24.353 --> 00:19:25.821
- I think she has the responsibility
- 00:19:25.821 --> 00:19:27.422
- To move out of that situation,
- 00:19:27.422 --> 00:19:29.324
- Move her children out of that situation.
- 00:19:29.324 --> 00:19:32.261
- We believe in the sanctity of life.
- 00:19:32.261 --> 00:19:34.296
- That's just not for babies in the womb,
- 00:19:34.296 --> 00:19:36.331
- That's for everybody.
- 00:19:36.331 --> 00:19:37.432
- Life is holy,
- 00:19:37.432 --> 00:19:38.667
- It's a gift from god,
- 00:19:38.667 --> 00:19:39.968
- And it needs to be protected
- 00:19:39.968 --> 00:19:41.737
- -at all costs, -(congregation clapping)
- 00:19:41.737 --> 00:19:44.206
- And that's a very important principle.
- 00:19:44.206 --> 00:19:48.310
- A woman can forgive her husband,
- 00:19:48.310 --> 00:19:50.345
- She must forgive her husband,
- 00:19:50.345 --> 00:19:52.414
- But it doesn't mean she has to live
- 00:19:52.414 --> 00:19:53.615
- Under the same roof with him.
- 00:19:53.615 --> 00:19:55.250
- She can move out.
- 00:19:55.250 --> 00:19:56.418
- And before she's willing to reconcile,
- 00:19:56.418 --> 00:19:58.954
- She can demand several things of her husband.
- 00:19:58.954 --> 00:20:01.156
- First of all, her husband must show repentance.
- 00:20:01.156 --> 00:20:03.592
- He has to be willing to make restitution.
- 00:20:03.592 --> 00:20:06.061
- In this case, not money,
- 00:20:06.061 --> 00:20:07.629
- But perhaps going to counseling
- 00:20:07.629 --> 00:20:09.464
- And making some needed changes in his life.
- 00:20:09.464 --> 00:20:12.734
- And thirdly,
- 00:20:12.734 --> 00:20:14.069
- There has to be a rebuilding of trust.
- 00:20:14.069 --> 00:20:17.606
- Reconciliation necessitates the rebuilding of trust,
- 00:20:17.606 --> 00:20:22.878
- And that takes time,
- 00:20:23.345 --> 00:20:24.579
- Especially after a deep hurt of some kind.
- 00:20:24.579 --> 00:20:28.450
- The offender has no right
- 00:20:29.017 --> 00:20:31.253
- To demand immediate reconciliation.
- 00:20:31.253 --> 00:20:33.689
- He doesn't have a right to demand anything.
- 00:20:33.689 --> 00:20:36.591
- All he can do is request forgiveness
- 00:20:36.591 --> 00:20:40.295
- And give his victim, the one he has hurt, time to heal.
- 00:20:40.295 --> 00:20:44.599
- And that leads to the basic difference
- 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:46.635
- Between bad grace and good grace
- 00:20:46.635 --> 00:20:49.204
- When it comes to the issue of those who have wronged us.
- 00:20:49.204 --> 00:20:52.607
- Listen to this.
- 00:20:52.607 --> 00:20:54.076
- Bad grace equates forgiveness with reconciliation.
- 00:20:54.076 --> 00:20:57.479
- They're not the same thing.
- 00:20:57.479 --> 00:20:59.581
- Bad grace underestimates the serious
- 00:20:59.581 --> 00:21:02.684
- And long-lasting consequences of sin.
- 00:21:02.684 --> 00:21:06.088
- Bad grace places all the burden for reconciliation
- 00:21:06.088 --> 00:21:10.826
- On the offended party
- 00:21:10.826 --> 00:21:12.661
- And little responsibility on the offender.
- 00:21:12.661 --> 00:21:16.131
- There are a lot of churches
- 00:21:16.732 --> 00:21:18.567
- That are purveyors of bad grace on this issue.
- 00:21:18.567 --> 00:21:23.004
- Good grace, on the other hand,
- 00:21:23.004 --> 00:21:24.940
- Understands that forgiveness depends upon me,
- 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:28.377
- But reconciliation depends upon us.
- 00:21:28.377 --> 00:21:31.613
- Good grace teaches that forgiveness has no strings attached,
- 00:21:31.613 --> 00:21:35.784
- But reconciliation has several strings attached.
- 00:21:35.784 --> 00:21:39.287
- Good grace recognizes
- 00:21:39.287 --> 00:21:40.822
- That although reconciliation is always preferable,
- 00:21:40.822 --> 00:21:46.094
- It's not always possible.
- 00:21:46.661 --> 00:21:48.230
- Remember paul's words,
- 00:21:48.230 --> 00:21:49.464
- "but as far as it depends upon you,
- 00:21:49.464 --> 00:21:52.033
- Be at peace with all men."
- 00:21:52.033 --> 00:21:55.103
- But please don't misunderstand what i'm saying.
- 00:21:55.103 --> 00:21:58.273
- Reconciliation is always the preferred outcome
- 00:21:58.273 --> 00:22:03.578
- For christians, always.
- 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:06.448
- The psalm that's said in psalm 133:1,
- 00:22:06.448 --> 00:22:09.518
- "how good, how pleasant it is
- 00:22:09.518 --> 00:22:13.555
- For brothers to dwell in unity."
- 00:22:13.555 --> 00:22:17.225
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:22:17.225 --> 00:22:21.496
- Aren't you glad the bible offers this kind of wisdom
- 00:22:22.564 --> 00:22:25.333
- About relationships?
- 00:22:25.333 --> 00:22:27.002
- Grace is a wonderful gift from god
- 00:22:27.002 --> 00:22:29.538
- When it's applied the way he designed it.
- 00:22:29.538 --> 00:22:32.641
- Now, in closing today,
- 00:22:32.641 --> 00:22:33.875
- I want to share a remarkable story i heard
- 00:22:33.875 --> 00:22:36.144
- About a friend named helene.
- 00:22:36.144 --> 00:22:38.447
- After a serious car accident,
- 00:22:38.447 --> 00:22:40.482
- Helene found "pathway to victory"
- 00:22:40.482 --> 00:22:42.284
- While borrowing a car from a friend.
- 00:22:42.284 --> 00:22:44.920
- When she turned on the radio,
- 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:46.354
- "pathway to victory" was playing.
- 00:22:46.354 --> 00:22:48.557
- And rather than turn the dial,
- 00:22:48.557 --> 00:22:50.292
- She began to listen.
- 00:22:50.292 --> 00:22:51.893
- After listening to several programs,
- 00:22:51.893 --> 00:22:54.196
- She invited christ into her life.
- 00:22:54.196 --> 00:22:56.598
- Shortly after,
- 00:22:56.598 --> 00:22:58.033
- She decided to be baptized on her 80th birthday.
- 00:22:58.033 --> 00:23:01.770
- Now she's attending bible studies every week
- 00:23:01.770 --> 00:23:04.372
- To learn more about her faith in christ.
- 00:23:04.372 --> 00:23:07.476
- Friends, stories like this one
- 00:23:07.476 --> 00:23:09.110
- Are the reason "pathway to victory" exists.
- 00:23:09.110 --> 00:23:12.047
- It doesn't matter your age or stage of life,
- 00:23:12.047 --> 00:23:14.616
- No one is outside the reach of god's amazing grace.
- 00:23:14.616 --> 00:23:18.753
- And i hope helene's story encourages you just as much
- 00:23:18.753 --> 00:23:22.023
- As it encouraged me.
- 00:23:22.023 --> 00:23:23.758
- Thank you to all of you who partner
- 00:23:23.758 --> 00:23:25.460
- With "pathway to victory"
- 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:27.095
- As we pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
- 00:23:27.095 --> 00:23:30.832
- Now, please stay right there,
- 00:23:30.832 --> 00:23:32.267
- I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
- 00:23:32.267 --> 00:23:34.669
- In just a moment.
- 00:23:34.669 --> 00:23:36.204
- The bible tells us we're saved by grace.
- 00:23:37.072 --> 00:23:40.308
- But do you allow yourself to receive grace?
- 00:23:40.308 --> 00:23:43.311
- Do you practice grace?
- 00:23:43.311 --> 00:23:44.880
- Do you abuse god's grace?
- 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:47.182
- In "grace gone wild,"
- 00:23:47.182 --> 00:23:48.583
- Dr. robert jeffress clears up the confusion
- 00:23:48.583 --> 00:23:51.319
- And shows you how grace leads to joy, not guilt.
- 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:54.890
- Christians fall into one of two traps
- 00:23:54.890 --> 00:23:57.158
- When it comes to grace.
- 00:23:57.158 --> 00:23:58.760
- Some believe grace means there are no boundaries in living.
- 00:23:58.760 --> 00:24:02.397
- Others pile on so many rules
- 00:24:02.397 --> 00:24:04.432
- That christianity feels like a burden instead of a blessing.
- 00:24:04.432 --> 00:24:08.737
- In my book "grace gone wild,"
- 00:24:08.737 --> 00:24:10.338
- I'll show you that true grace leads to a deeper,
- 00:24:10.338 --> 00:24:14.142
- More joy-filled relationship with god.
- 00:24:14.142 --> 00:24:17.279
- Discover how understanding grace
- 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:19.381
- Can transform your marriage,
- 00:24:19.381 --> 00:24:21.049
- Your relationships, and every decision you make.
- 00:24:21.049 --> 00:24:24.219
- Request your copy of "grace gone wild"
- 00:24:24.219 --> 00:24:26.688
- When you give a generous gift to "pathway to victory."
- 00:24:26.688 --> 00:24:30.058
- And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
- 00:24:30.058 --> 00:24:33.595
- We'll also send you the "grace gone wild" teaching series
- 00:24:33.595 --> 00:24:37.165
- On both cd and dvd along with the application guide.
- 00:24:37.165 --> 00:24:41.469
- There are too many christians today
- 00:24:41.469 --> 00:24:43.271
- Who have taken this marvelous gift of grace
- 00:24:43.271 --> 00:24:47.042
- And perverted it.
- 00:24:47.042 --> 00:24:48.710
- They are robbing themselves of the joy
- 00:24:48.710 --> 00:24:50.946
- That comes from obedience to god.
- 00:24:50.946 --> 00:24:54.249
- Thank you for your generous support
- 00:24:54.249 --> 00:24:56.017
- Of "pathway to victory."
- 00:24:56.017 --> 00:24:57.686
- Your gift helps us bring bold biblical teaching
- 00:24:57.686 --> 00:25:00.188
- Around the world.
- 00:25:00.188 --> 00:25:01.356
- Together, we are piercing the darkness
- 00:25:01.356 --> 00:25:03.558
- With the light of god's word.
- 00:25:03.558 --> 00:25:05.427
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:25:05.427 --> 00:25:08.296
- Forgiveness is unconditional,
- 00:25:07.095 --> 00:25:10.332
- But reconciliation is a completely different story.
- 00:25:10.332 --> 00:25:14.135
- Reconciliation has to be earned
- 00:25:14.135 --> 00:25:16.338
- By the person who has wronged you.
- 00:25:16.338 --> 00:25:18.239
- And i hope today's lesson has helped you understand
- 00:25:18.239 --> 00:25:21.242
- What the bible really says
- 00:25:21.242 --> 00:25:22.711
- About healing broken relationships.
- 00:25:22.711 --> 00:25:26.047
- Well, the latest polls reveal
- 00:25:26.047 --> 00:25:27.649
- That more and more christians are treating the church
- 00:25:27.649 --> 00:25:30.151
- With disdain and indifference.
- 00:25:30.151 --> 00:25:32.654
- And next time,
- 00:25:32.654 --> 00:25:34.022
- I'll describe how grace should impact our attitude
- 00:25:34.022 --> 00:25:36.625
- Toward the body of christ.
- 00:25:36.625 --> 00:25:38.293
- Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
- 00:25:38.293 --> 00:25:40.462
- In our series, "grace gone wild."
- 00:25:40.462 --> 00:25:44.099
- Polls tell us,
- 00:25:44.466 --> 00:25:45.734
- For an increasing number of christians,
- 00:25:45.734 --> 00:25:48.336
- They view membership in the church as optional.
- 00:25:48.336 --> 00:25:51.706
- Their attendance is sporadic,
- 00:25:51.706 --> 00:25:54.042
- Their giving is minimal,
- 00:25:54.042 --> 00:25:55.877
- And they view any kind of service as burdensome.
- 00:25:55.877 --> 00:25:59.981
- How do you explain that?
- 00:25:59.981 --> 00:26:01.416
- How do you explain the growing indifference people have
- 00:26:01.416 --> 00:26:04.386
- Toward the church today?
- 00:26:04.386 --> 00:26:06.021
- Especially when the founder of the church,
- 00:26:06.021 --> 00:26:08.657
- Jesus christ,
- 00:26:08.657 --> 00:26:09.691
- Is said to have loved the church
- 00:26:09.691 --> 00:26:13.028
- And given himself for her.
- 00:26:13.028 --> 00:26:15.797
- Set your dvr and join us next time
- 00:26:15.797 --> 00:26:18.066
- For the message "good grace churches"
- 00:26:18.066 --> 00:26:20.735
- Here on "pathway to victory."
- 00:26:20.735 --> 00:26:23.805
- Join us on the pathway to victory cruise to alaska
- 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:28.109
- June 13 through 20, 2026.
- 00:26:28.109 --> 00:26:30.945
- Let me paint a picture for you.
- 00:26:30.945 --> 00:26:32.847
- You're standing on the deck of a beautiful cruise ship,
- 00:26:32.847 --> 00:26:36.117
- Coffee in hand,
- 00:26:36.117 --> 00:26:37.452
- Watching a glacier calve into the pristine waters
- 00:26:37.452 --> 00:26:40.989
- While bald eagles circle overhead.
- 00:26:40.989 --> 00:26:43.858
- That's going to be us this coming june.
- 00:26:43.858 --> 00:26:46.594
- You've got to see alaska with your own eyes to believe it.
- 00:26:46.594 --> 00:26:50.165
- Seven days of pure luxury,
- 00:26:50.165 --> 00:26:52.133
- Where every meal is prepared for you.
- 00:26:52.133 --> 00:26:54.369
- The world-class service means you never have to think
- 00:26:54.369 --> 00:26:57.105
- About the details.
- 00:26:57.105 --> 00:26:58.406
- Instead, you can focus on casual conversations
- 00:26:58.406 --> 00:27:01.443
- With like-minded christians,
- 00:27:01.443 --> 00:27:03.311
- Laughing, telling stories,
- 00:27:03.311 --> 00:27:05.013
- While surrounded by god's breathtaking creation.
- 00:27:05.013 --> 00:27:08.149
- This is purposeful travel at its finest,
- 00:27:08.149 --> 00:27:11.419
- Refreshing your soul in god's stunning cathedral
- 00:27:11.419 --> 00:27:15.056
- Of natural wonders.
- 00:27:15.056 --> 00:27:17.092
- Call 888-280-6747
- 00:27:17.092 --> 00:27:20.495
- Or visit ptv.org.
- 00:27:20.495 --> 00:27:20.495