"Letting Go" Date: October 6, 1996 Series: "Hope When You're Hurting" Message: Finding Hope Through Forgiveness" Scripture: Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:12 Time: About 4 minutes Concept: In this visual representation of what unforgiveness can do to us, we see a man (or woman) trying to move ahead in their life and come close to God. However, they are stilled tied to a person they haven't forgiven. As they express their frustration, God speaks to them. The person shares common myths about forgiveness. God answers each one of them, and offers them a choice...freedom through forgiving, or continued slavery to the person he hasn't forgiven. The conclusion powerfully shows forgiveness. Scene: A man is sitting in a chair. Next to him is another man, who remains silent during the whole sketch. However, the two are tied together. Offstage is the one who speaks as God... Person: (sitting, obviously distressed) I don't like my life. I feel like I'm not getting anywhere. (Gets up, tries to walk, but is jerked back by the rope tied to the other person) It seems like I keep hitting a brick wall....Oh, God! What's wrong? God: (from offstage) I can tell you if you want. The reason you can't move ahead in your life is that you are still tied to something in your past. P: (surprized to hear God speak) God...is that really you? G: Yes. I've been waiting for you to call out to me. I can see your pain and frustration. I want to set you free. P: Oh, God...I want to be free! What's wrong...what's holding me back? G: You are tied to John...your unwillingness to forgive him has made you a slave to him. P: John? But that happened so long ago...that's all in the past. It doesn't bother me...you know what they say..."time heals all wounds". G: I never said that. Time doesn't heal wounds....I do. I can see your heart...I can see that wound from how John hurt you is still wide open...and festering with bitterness. You think nobody knows, but I know. A lot of other people know it, too because of the way you treat them. Your unforgiveness is hurting your family, your friendships...and it keeps you from really having a relationship with Me. P: But God, if I forgive him, he gets off the hook! I'll never let him off for what he did to me. G: He's not on the hook, you are. Because you won't forgive John, you've tied yourself to him...made yourself a slave to him. If you forgive, he won't get off the hook. Vengence is Mine to repay. If you'll forgive, you'll be off the hook...finally free from him. P: But....but if I forgive him, its like saying what he did was OK. G: No...that's not forgiveness. What he did was wrong...you are not excusing his behavior, but you are releasing yourself from being Judge and Executioner. I'll deal with him. You have to let him go. Resentment and bitterness is death. Forgiving him will set you free and bring you life. Let him go...you've carried this burden too long. P: (in great distress of what to do) I....I won't. G: Its your choice. Freedom and hope or bitterness and slavery. I gave my Son on the Cross so real forgiveness is possible. I can't forgive you until you're willing to forgive him. P: I....I can't. G: I'll help you. All you have to do is ask. P: I....I don't want to. G: I know. Don't worry...your emotions will catch up with your will. Choose to forgive, and I will bring healing to your heart. P: I.....I'm willing. But what do I do? G: Forgive him, just as I forgave you. Bring him to the Cross. Forgive and be forgiven. Then trust Me to show you how to go from there. P: (goes to "Cross" still tied to the other person, stands there with them) Lord, I've been bitter toward John for what he did, and its killing me and keeping me from You. Its time to let go...please forgive me for my bitterness. G: I forgive you. P: (turns to John) John, what you did to me was wrong. It hurts, but its time to let go and let God have it. I choose to forgive you. As much as I can, I'm going to live at peace with you and let God handle the rest. God's forgiven me, and He has just given me the power to forgive you. (as he speaks the words, he unties himself from John) Lord, I did it! Thank You for helping me... G: You are free now...(Person starts walking and finds he is not tied to John anymore...finds joy in that)...see?! P: You're right...I am free! Thank You, Lord! What...what do I do now? G: Come close to Me...I want to show you what it means to be truly free and give you all the things you've been missing...come. P: (with deep, quiet joy) Coming, Lord. I've left my past with You, now its time to find my future with You. I'm coming, Lord. (begins to exit with a look of joy and anticipation, then turns back to look at John) Lord, I never thought I would say something like this, but....could You possibly do for John what you've just done for me? G: Just watch Me. -end- 3