Everyday Courage | Part 3 | Andy Stanley

Well, good morning. Welcome to North Well, good morning. Welcome to North Point. We're so glad that you've joined Point. We're so glad that you've joined Point. We're so glad that you've joined us. My name is Holly and I'm coming to us. My name is Holly and I'm coming to us. My name is Holly and I'm coming to you from the West auditorium. How we you from the West auditorium. How we you from the West auditorium. How we doing, West? doing, West? doing, West? Okay, we're a mighty crew over here Okay, we're a mighty crew over here Okay, we're a mighty crew over here today. Well, hey, some of you may have today. Well, hey, some of you may have today. Well, hey, some of you may have gotten a text message from us bright and gotten a text message from us bright and gotten a text message from us bright and early this morning. That's because today early this morning. That's because today early this morning. That's because today is group launch Sunday. And that means is group launch Sunday. And that means is group launch Sunday. And that means it's the day that us adults we get into it's the day that us adults we get into it's the day that us adults we get into small groups. And if it's your first small groups. And if it's your first small groups. And if it's your first time around here and you're like, "What time around here and you're like, "What time around here and you're like, "What is a small group?" Well, on Sundays we is a small group?" Well, on Sundays we is a small group?" Well, on Sundays we sit in rows, but during the week we sit sit in rows, but during the week we sit sit in rows, but during the week we sit in circles. We get in circles in houses in circles. We get in circles in houses in circles. We get in circles in houses all over our community and we just do all over our community and we just do all over our community and we just do life together because we believe that life together because we believe that life together because we believe that circles are better than rows and we're circles are better than rows and we're circles are better than rows and we're meant to share our faith with people. meant to share our faith with people. meant to share our faith with people. And so that's what's happening in And so that's what's happening in And so that's what's happening in August. We always kick off a brand new August. We always kick off a brand new August. We always kick off a brand new round of small groups and August is round of small groups and August is round of small groups and August is really the month we just kick off all really the month we just kick off all really the month we just kick off all the new things. In fact, if you're a the new things. In fact, if you're a the new things. In fact, if you're a parent of a K through fifth grader, parent of a K through fifth grader, parent of a K through fifth grader, we've got something happening for you we've got something happening for you we've got something happening for you today in the theater. And to tell you today in the theater. And to tell you today in the theater. And to tell you about it, our Upstreet director, Alex about it, our Upstreet director, Alex about it, our Upstreet director, Alex Buckley's in the East this morning. Hey, Buckley's in the East this morning. Hey, Buckley's in the East this morning. Hey, Alex. How's it going over there? Hey, Alex. How's it going over there? Hey, Alex. How's it going over there? Hey, Holly. Good morning. It's going good. I Holly. Good morning. It's going good. I Holly. Good morning. It's going good. I think it's going good, right, East?

think it's going good, right, East? think it's going good, right, East? Okay. Yeah, it's going good. Um, well, Okay. Yeah, it's going good. Um, well, Okay. Yeah, it's going good. Um, well, good morning. Yes, today is Kids Stuff good morning. Yes, today is Kids Stuff good morning. Yes, today is Kids Stuff Sunday, and my family actually went to Sunday, and my family actually went to Sunday, and my family actually went to Kids Stuff last Sunday. Today we invited Kids Stuff last Sunday. Today we invited Kids Stuff last Sunday. Today we invited our nephews to come with us and we all our nephews to come with us and we all our nephews to come with us and we all went as a family. It is a super special went as a family. It is a super special went as a family. It is a super special show and I thought since it's just us show and I thought since it's just us show and I thought since it's just us that here this morning that I would give that here this morning that I would give that here this morning that I would give you a little bit of a spoiler. So the you a little bit of a spoiler. So the you a little bit of a spoiler. So the show today all of the kids are going to show today all of the kids are going to show today all of the kids are going to need just a little bit of courage need just a little bit of courage need just a little bit of courage because they are going to face a giant because they are going to face a giant because they are going to face a giant Goliath. That's all I can say. I'm going Goliath. That's all I can say. I'm going Goliath. That's all I can say. I'm going to leave that there for you guys. But I to leave that there for you guys. But I to leave that there for you guys. But I really want to encourage all the really want to encourage all the really want to encourage all the kindergarten through fifth grade parents kindergarten through fifth grade parents kindergarten through fifth grade parents to grab your kiddo after church today to grab your kiddo after church today to grab your kiddo after church today and head to the theater. If you've never and head to the theater. If you've never and head to the theater. If you've never been to Kids Stuff, Kids Stuff is a show been to Kids Stuff, Kids Stuff is a show been to Kids Stuff, Kids Stuff is a show that you experience together that makes that you experience together that makes that you experience together that makes your family better. And it was designed your family better. And it was designed your family better. And it was designed um with parents in mind as a way for us um with parents in mind as a way for us um with parents in mind as a way for us to partner with you. And the show today to partner with you. And the show today to partner with you. And the show today is all about starting strong and staying is all about starting strong and staying is all about starting strong and staying strong because we know as parents that strong because we know as parents that strong because we know as parents that our kids are going to face hard things, our kids are going to face hard things, our kids are going to face hard things, right? And we want them to know that right? And we want them to know that right? And we want them to know that they can rely on God and that they can they can rely on God and that they can they can rely on God and that they can talk to you, the parents, about that.

talk to you, the parents, about that. talk to you, the parents, about that. And so, um, today at the show, every And so, um, today at the show, every And so, um, today at the show, every family is going to leave with Thank you, family is going to leave with Thank you, family is going to leave with Thank you, Karen. Uh, every family is going to Karen. Uh, every family is going to Karen. Uh, every family is going to leave with this resource. We call it in leave with this resource. We call it in leave with this resource. We call it in the night, right? And it was created for the night, right? And it was created for the night, right? And it was created for you to establish nightly check-ins with you to establish nightly check-ins with you to establish nightly check-ins with your children. Just kind of check in on your children. Just kind of check in on your children. Just kind of check in on those hard things that we were talking those hard things that we were talking those hard things that we were talking about and how you're going to navigate about and how you're going to navigate about and how you're going to navigate them and stay strong. So, we hope to see them and stay strong. So, we hope to see them and stay strong. So, we hope to see you at Kids Stuff. But what else do we you at Kids Stuff. But what else do we you at Kids Stuff. But what else do we have going on today, Holly? Yeah, that's have going on today, Holly? Yeah, that's have going on today, Holly? Yeah, that's right. You got to be at Kids Stuff today right. You got to be at Kids Stuff today right. You got to be at Kids Stuff today to get one of those in the night ride to get one of those in the night ride to get one of those in the night ride tool kits. And they're awesome. They tool kits. And they're awesome. They tool kits. And they're awesome. They will set you up for great conversations will set you up for great conversations will set you up for great conversations at home. And we're talking to your kids at home. And we're talking to your kids at home. And we're talking to your kids today about courage. And that's exactly today about courage. And that's exactly today about courage. And that's exactly what we're talking about here in our what we're talking about here in our what we're talking about here in our time together. Andy is continuing our time together. Andy is continuing our time together. Andy is continuing our series called Everyday Courage. He's series called Everyday Courage. He's series called Everyday Courage. He's going to bring us part three today. And going to bring us part three today. And going to bring us part three today. And we're about to get started here in a we're about to get started here in a we're about to get started here in a minute. Tommy's going to lead the first minute. Tommy's going to lead the first minute. Tommy's going to lead the first song here in the West with me. And this song here in the West with me. And this song here in the West with me. And this first song, there's a lyric that says, first song, there's a lyric that says, first song, there's a lyric that says, "Every fear I will lay at your feet.

"Every fear I will lay at your feet. "Every fear I will lay at your feet. I'll sing through the night. Oh God, the I'll sing through the night. Oh God, the I'll sing through the night. Oh God, the battle belongs to you." I don't know battle belongs to you." I don't know battle belongs to you." I don't know what you walked in here this morning what you walked in here this morning what you walked in here this morning with, but I know in a crowd this big with, but I know in a crowd this big with, but I know in a crowd this big that something is going on, that life that something is going on, that life that something is going on, that life can be hard at times. And so, if you can be hard at times. And so, if you can be hard at times. And so, if you find yourself in the midst of a battle find yourself in the midst of a battle find yourself in the midst of a battle this morning, here's the good news for this morning, here's the good news for this morning, here's the good news for you. You are not alone in that battle. you. You are not alone in that battle. you. You are not alone in that battle. In fact, the Lord will fight for you. If In fact, the Lord will fight for you. If In fact, the Lord will fight for you. If you will stand up, say hi to somebody, you will stand up, say hi to somebody, you will stand up, say hi to somebody, and let's get started. I'm so excited to sing with you guys I'm so excited to sing with you guys this morning. Come. Come. When all I see is the bad, When all I see is the bad, When all I see is the bad, you see my victory.

When all I see is the mountain, you see When all I see is the mountain, you see the mountain. And as I walk through the shadows, And as I walk through the shadows, your love surrounds me. I know I know there's nothing to fear now for I am there's nothing to fear now for I am there's nothing to fear now for I am safe with you. safe with you. safe with you. Come. Come. Come. So when I fight, I fight on my knees So when I fight, I fight on my knees So when I fight, I fight on my knees with my hands lifted high. Oh God, the with my hands lifted high. Oh God, the with my hands lifted high. Oh God, the battle belongs to you. battle belongs to you. battle belongs to you. Every year I lay at your feet. I'll sing Every year I lay at your feet. I'll sing Every year I lay at your feet. I'll sing through the night. Oh God, the battle through the night. Oh God, the battle through the night. Oh God, the battle belongs to you. An almighty forress. An almighty forress. You go before us. Nothing can stand You go before us. Nothing can stand You go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of our you shine in against the power of our you shine in against the power of our you shine in the shadows.

the shadows. the shadows. You win every battle. You win every battle. You win every battle. Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of almighty forress. almighty forress. almighty forress. You go before us. You go before us. You go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of God. God. God. >> You shine. I sh >> You shine. I sh >> You shine. I sh you every so when I so when I find on my knees with my Heat. Heat. I need you now to do the same thing for

I need you now to do the same thing for me. Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my God, I need you now. How I need you now. Oh rock, oh rock of ages. I'm standing Oh rock, oh rock of ages. I'm standing on your faithfulness. got my own.

got my own. Oh God, my God. of your ages. I'm sitting on your of your ages. I'm sitting on your faithfulness. You hear your children. You hear your children. You hear your children. Now you are the You hear your children. Now you are the You hear your children. Now you are the same God. You are the same God. You same God. You are the same God. You same God. You are the same God. You answer prayers back then and you will answer prayers back then and you will answer prayers back then and you will answer now. You are the same God. You answer now. You are the same God. You answer now. You are the same God. You are the same God. You are providing are the same God. You are providing are the same God. You are providing good. You are providing.

good. You are providing. good. You are providing. You are the same God. You are the same You are the same God. You are the same You are the same God. You are the same God. You move in power. God. You move in power. God. You move in power. God moving power. Now you are God moving power. Now you are God moving power. Now you are you are you are a healer. you are a healer. You are a healer. You are a healer. You are a healer. You are free. Yeah. Yeah. Heat.

Well, if you call North Point your home, Well, if you call North Point your home, you know about our generosity campaign you know about our generosity campaign you know about our generosity campaign called Deeper, Wider. And if you're new, called Deeper, Wider. And if you're new, called Deeper, Wider. And if you're new, that's just our mission to make more that's just our mission to make more that's just our mission to make more outward-facing churches all around the outward-facing churches all around the outward-facing churches all around the world. And we believe that that starts world. And we believe that that starts world. And we believe that that starts with the next generation right here in with the next generation right here in with the next generation right here in the Atlanta area. So take a look at our the Atlanta area. So take a look at our the Atlanta area. So take a look at our latest update. As kids walk through their elementary As kids walk through their elementary years, they're trying to make sense of years, they're trying to make sense of years, they're trying to make sense of the world. Their curiosity is high and the world. Their curiosity is high and the world. Their curiosity is high and their boundaries seem invisible. So they their boundaries seem invisible. So they their boundaries seem invisible. So they ask the same question on repeat. Why? ask the same question on repeat. Why? ask the same question on repeat. Why? Why does it matter? Why can't I? Why do Why does it matter? Why can't I? Why do Why does it matter? Why can't I? Why do I have to? And behind every why, there I have to? And behind every why, there I have to? And behind every why, there are moments that matter. Moments to are moments that matter. Moments to are moments that matter. Moments to point them toward what is true? On point them toward what is true? On point them toward what is true? On Upstreet, we believe that the second Upstreet, we believe that the second Upstreet, we believe that the second kids walk through our doors, every kids walk through our doors, every kids walk through our doors, every moment is a chance to show them a God moment is a chance to show them a God moment is a chance to show them a God who loves them. And as they begin to who loves them. And as they begin to who loves them. And as they begin to figure out who they are and what they figure out who they are and what they figure out who they are and what they believe, there are three truths that we believe, there are three truths that we believe, there are three truths that we want them to know for sure. God loves want them to know for sure. God loves want them to know for sure. God loves me. I can trust God no matter what. And me. I can trust God no matter what. And me. I can trust God no matter what. And I should love others the way that Jesus I should love others the way that Jesus I should love others the way that Jesus loves me.

>> We can give in every breath. A new >> We can give in every breath. A new beginning. Now we know. beginning. Now we know. beginning. Now we know. Come on, let's go. Come on, let's go. Come on, let's go. >> Across our eight Atlanta area campuses, >> Across our eight Atlanta area campuses, >> Across our eight Atlanta area campuses, over 7,500 kindergarten through fifth over 7,500 kindergarten through fifth over 7,500 kindergarten through fifth graders are engaged in Upstreet. graders are engaged in Upstreet. graders are engaged in Upstreet. and over 2400 trusted volunteers and and over 2400 trusted volunteers and and over 2400 trusted volunteers and small group leaders are showing up to small group leaders are showing up to small group leaders are showing up to know them personally and walk alongside know them personally and walk alongside know them personally and walk alongside them. This goes beyond the halls of them. This goes beyond the halls of them. This goes beyond the halls of Upstreet. This past year, almost 20,000 Upstreet. This past year, almost 20,000 Upstreet. This past year, almost 20,000 kids and parents came together at Kids kids and parents came together at Kids kids and parents came together at Kids Stuff, a show that gives kids the chance Stuff, a show that gives kids the chance Stuff, a show that gives kids the chance to see the truths they're learning in to see the truths they're learning in to see the truths they're learning in Upstreet become something their whole Upstreet become something their whole Upstreet become something their whole family can be a part of. family can be a part of. family can be a part of. And as kids began to ask bigger And as kids began to ask bigger And as kids began to ask bigger questions about faith, we came alongside questions about faith, we came alongside questions about faith, we came alongside parents through Jumpstart, a shared parents through Jumpstart, a shared parents through Jumpstart, a shared experience that helps families talk experience that helps families talk experience that helps families talk about what it means for their child to about what it means for their child to about what it means for their child to place their faith in Jesus and continue place their faith in Jesus and continue place their faith in Jesus and continue the conversations at home. For many the conversations at home. For many the conversations at home. For many families, those conversations led to a families, those conversations led to a families, those conversations led to a decision worth celebrating. decision worth celebrating. decision worth celebrating. Over this past year, many of these kids Over this past year, many of these kids Over this past year, many of these kids made the decision to accept Jesus and made the decision to accept Jesus and made the decision to accept Jesus and get baptized at our baptism bash get baptized at our baptism bash get baptized at our baptism bash celebration.

>> This doesn't happen without you. Because >> This doesn't happen without you. Because of your generosity, week after week of your generosity, week after week of your generosity, week after week after week at all of our Atlanta area after week at all of our Atlanta area after week at all of our Atlanta area campuses, you are helping create spaces campuses, you are helping create spaces campuses, you are helping create spaces where every moment points kindergarten where every moment points kindergarten where every moment points kindergarten through fifth graders to a God that through fifth graders to a God that through fifth graders to a God that loves them more than they can imagine. loves them more than they can imagine. loves them more than they can imagine. Thank you for building a foundation of Thank you for building a foundation of Thank you for building a foundation of faith in the next generation that they faith in the next generation that they faith in the next generation that they can carry with them for a lifetime. As I've said uh on so many occasions, uh As I've said uh on so many occasions, uh Sandra and I are thoroughly satisfied Sandra and I are thoroughly satisfied Sandra and I are thoroughly satisfied customers as parents in terms of what customers as parents in terms of what customers as parents in terms of what this church did for our kids and now for this church did for our kids and now for this church did for our kids and now for our grandkids. It's it's amazing. So for our grandkids. It's it's amazing. So for our grandkids. It's it's amazing. So for those of you with kids, you're like, those of you with kids, you're like, those of you with kids, you're like, "Yes, keep going." For those of you who "Yes, keep going." For those of you who "Yes, keep going." For those of you who are in our season of life, it's like, I are in our season of life, it's like, I are in our season of life, it's like, I remember those days. Yes, keep going. remember those days. Yes, keep going. remember those days. Yes, keep going. And what you're doing through Deeper And what you're doing through Deeper And what you're doing through Deeper Wider in terms of impacting the next Wider in terms of impacting the next Wider in terms of impacting the next generation in our city is amazing. But generation in our city is amazing. But generation in our city is amazing. But what you're doing through your what you're doing through your what you're doing through your generosity with Deeper Wider is generosity with Deeper Wider is generosity with Deeper Wider is impacting churches all over the country impacting churches all over the country impacting churches all over the country and literally all over the world as they and literally all over the world as they and literally all over the world as they adopt our philosophy of ministry as it adopt our philosophy of ministry as it adopt our philosophy of ministry as it relates to the next generation. So what relates to the next generation. So what relates to the next generation. So what you're doing isn't just an addition. It you're doing isn't just an addition. It you're doing isn't just an addition. It is a multiplier and it's working. And we is a multiplier and it's working. And we is a multiplier and it's working. And we want to do everything we can for you to want to do everything we can for you to want to do everything we can for you to know and experience what's happening all know and experience what's happening all know and experience what's happening all over the world as you just attend on over the world as you just attend on over the world as you just attend on Sunday mornings, give generously and Sunday mornings, give generously and Sunday mornings, give generously and volunteer. So thank you, thank you, volunteer. So thank you, thank you, volunteer. So thank you, thank you, thank you. And now here's part three of thank you. And now here's part three of thank you. And now here's part three of our series, Everyday Courage.

I want to welcome all of our partner I want to welcome all of our partner churches and churches around the Atlanta churches and churches around the Atlanta churches and churches around the Atlanta area who are joining us today and our area who are joining us today and our area who are joining us today and our friends down at Southside in particular. friends down at Southside in particular. friends down at Southside in particular. And um if you're just joining us, maybe And um if you're just joining us, maybe And um if you're just joining us, maybe the first time or the first time in a the first time or the first time in a the first time or the first time in a long time, more and more, this is an long time, more and more, this is an long time, more and more, this is an expanding network of Jesus followers who expanding network of Jesus followers who expanding network of Jesus followers who understand it's doing that makes a understand it's doing that makes a understand it's doing that makes a difference. If you're not from our faith difference. If you're not from our faith difference. If you're not from our faith tradition, a different faith tradition, tradition, a different faith tradition, tradition, a different faith tradition, or maybe you used to be a Christian, or maybe you used to be a Christian, or maybe you used to be a Christian, used to be a church person and you kind used to be a church person and you kind used to be a church person and you kind of walked away and somebody invited you of walked away and somebody invited you of walked away and somebody invited you or you just happen to be watching today, or you just happen to be watching today, or you just happen to be watching today, um we understand whatever your story is, um we understand whatever your story is, um we understand whatever your story is, why you walked away from Christianity, why you walked away from Christianity, why you walked away from Christianity, if we heard your story, we would if we heard your story, we would if we heard your story, we would appreciate that. But we want you to know appreciate that. But we want you to know appreciate that. But we want you to know there is a group of people who aren't there is a group of people who aren't there is a group of people who aren't simply believers, but we're doers. And simply believers, but we're doers. And simply believers, but we're doers. And we would love for you to continue to we would love for you to continue to we would love for you to continue to join us, whether it's online or in join us, whether it's online or in join us, whether it's online or in person at one of our Atlanta area person at one of our Atlanta area person at one of our Atlanta area churches or one of our campuses all over churches or one of our campuses all over churches or one of our campuses all over the country. Something wonderful is the country. Something wonderful is the country. Something wonderful is happening. And as you know, if you grew happening. And as you know, if you grew happening. And as you know, if you grew up in church, you are invited to be a up in church, you are invited to be a up in church, you are invited to be a part of it. Now, um, speaking of growing part of it. Now, um, speaking of growing part of it. Now, um, speaking of growing up, the way, um, I was raised, and up, the way, um, I was raised, and up, the way, um, I was raised, and please don't be too critical of the please don't be too critical of the please don't be too critical of the generation that raised me this way, cuz generation that raised me this way, cuz generation that raised me this way, cuz I kind of appreciate it, but it's a I kind of appreciate it, but it's a I kind of appreciate it, but it's a little different. I was raised to little different. I was raised to little different. I was raised to believe that the man in the believe that the man in the believe that the man in the relationship, specifically the marriage relationship, specifically the marriage relationship, specifically the marriage relationship, that the man in the relationship, that the man in the relationship, that the man in the relationship is responsible for relationship is responsible for relationship is responsible for everything that happens in the everything that happens in the everything that happens in the relationship. Anybody else? Were you relationship. Anybody else? Were you relationship. Anybody else? Were you raised that way? Anybody? Five of you?

raised that way? Anybody? Five of you? raised that way? Anybody? Five of you? Yeah, everybody. Old old people. Yeah. Yeah, everybody. Old old people. Yeah. Yeah, everybody. Old old people. Yeah. And of course at that point I expected And of course at that point I expected And of course at that point I expected the women to go, "Amen. That's you got the women to go, "Amen. That's you got the women to go, "Amen. That's you got it. You're on." Anyway, so so the way I it. You're on." Anyway, so so the way I it. You're on." Anyway, so so the way I internalized this, nobody told me this, internalized this, nobody told me this, internalized this, nobody told me this, okay? I just kind of came into marriage. okay? I just kind of came into marriage. okay? I just kind of came into marriage. This is I sort of internalized this that This is I sort of internalized this that This is I sort of internalized this that if anything goes wrong in the if anything goes wrong in the if anything goes wrong in the relationship that ultimately it's my relationship that ultimately it's my relationship that ultimately it's my fault. And sometimes it takes me a fault. And sometimes it takes me a fault. And sometimes it takes me a minute to figure out how it's my fault. minute to figure out how it's my fault. minute to figure out how it's my fault. Um, so you know, Sandra will apologize Um, so you know, Sandra will apologize Um, so you know, Sandra will apologize for something and I'll just immediately for something and I'll just immediately for something and I'll just immediately say, "You know what? That honey, that say, "You know what? That honey, that say, "You know what? That honey, that that was my fault." And she'll say, that was my fault." And she'll say, that was my fault." And she'll say, "Okay, how was that your fault?" I'm "Okay, how was that your fault?" I'm "Okay, how was that your fault?" I'm like, "I'm not sure. Just give me a like, "I'm not sure. Just give me a like, "I'm not sure. Just give me a minute." You know, minute." You know, minute." You know, and then if I can't get there, find it, and then if I can't get there, find it, and then if I can't get there, find it, I resort to this. I say, "Well, if I I resort to this. I say, "Well, if I I resort to this. I say, "Well, if I hadn't asked you to marry me, this this hadn't asked you to marry me, this this hadn't asked you to marry me, this this wouldn't have happened." wouldn't have happened." wouldn't have happened." So, it is my fault. The point being, So, it is my fault. The point being, So, it is my fault. The point being, okay, this is this may be the takeaway okay, this is this may be the takeaway okay, this is this may be the takeaway for somebody today for the whole sermon for somebody today for the whole sermon for somebody today for the whole sermon is this, that given enough time, given is this, that given enough time, given is this, that given enough time, given enough time, there's always a way to enough time, there's always a way to enough time, there's always a way to sneak oursel a little slice of the blame sneak oursel a little slice of the blame sneak oursel a little slice of the blame pie. And uh it tastes bitter initially, pie. And uh it tastes bitter initially, pie. And uh it tastes bitter initially, but all medicine tastes bitter but all medicine tastes bitter but all medicine tastes bitter initially. Today we're in part three. If initially. Today we're in part three. If initially. Today we're in part three. If you haven't been with us, I'll try to you haven't been with us, I'll try to you haven't been with us, I'll try to catch up. Today we're in part three of a catch up. Today we're in part three of a catch up. Today we're in part three of a series entitled Everyday Courage. It's a series entitled Everyday Courage. It's a series entitled Everyday Courage. It's a four-part series. Next week we're going four-part series. Next week we're going four-part series. Next week we're going to wrap this up. Um and it's based on to wrap this up. Um and it's based on to wrap this up. Um and it's based on this idea basically an observation this idea basically an observation this idea basically an observation something we've we've all observed um something we've we've all observed um something we've we've all observed um read about in fact some of you perhaps read about in fact some of you perhaps read about in fact some of you perhaps have experienced it and that's simply have experienced it and that's simply have experienced it and that's simply this that a single act of courage the

this that a single act of courage the this that a single act of courage the right time the right place a single act right time the right place a single act right time the right place a single act of courage is often the catalyst for of courage is often the catalyst for of courage is often the catalyst for something extraordinary that in the something extraordinary that in the something extraordinary that in the midst of disaster in the midst of midst of disaster in the midst of midst of disaster in the midst of tragedy in the midst of danger in the tragedy in the midst of danger in the tragedy in the midst of danger in the midst of a threat that somebody steps up midst of a threat that somebody steps up midst of a threat that somebody steps up and they step in and they do the and they step in and they do the and they step in and they do the unexpected they do the heroic they do unexpected they do the heroic they do unexpected they do the heroic they do the unprecedented Ed and when they do it the unprecedented Ed and when they do it the unprecedented Ed and when they do it sets something good into motion. And of sets something good into motion. And of sets something good into motion. And of course history as we've said are filled course history as we've said are filled course history as we've said are filled with examples of this sort of thing. And with examples of this sort of thing. And with examples of this sort of thing. And the names that come to mind when we the names that come to mind when we the names that come to mind when we think of this dynamic come to mind think of this dynamic come to mind think of this dynamic come to mind because these people didn't wait for because these people didn't wait for because these people didn't wait for fear to disappear. They just went ahead fear to disappear. They just went ahead fear to disappear. They just went ahead and responded and stepped in anyway. And and responded and stepped in anyway. And and responded and stepped in anyway. And of course, when you hear those stories, of course, when you hear those stories, of course, when you hear those stories, read those stories, see those stories read those stories, see those stories read those stories, see those stories depicted on television or in movies, um depicted on television or in movies, um depicted on television or in movies, um we we think to ourselves, or at least I we we think to ourselves, or at least I we we think to ourselves, or at least I do, I wonder if I would have the courage do, I wonder if I would have the courage do, I wonder if I would have the courage to do what he did or the courage to do to do what he did or the courage to do to do what he did or the courage to do what she did. We hope that we would have what she did. We hope that we would have what she did. We hope that we would have the courage to follow their example. But the courage to follow their example. But the courage to follow their example. But most of us will never face circumstances most of us will never face circumstances most of us will never face circumstances like that. Now, maybe you have maybe you like that. Now, maybe you have maybe you like that. Now, maybe you have maybe you have a military background and you're have a military background and you're have a military background and you're like, "Hey, that's not theory for me like, "Hey, that's not theory for me like, "Hey, that's not theory for me that I've had that experience." But for that I've had that experience." But for that I've had that experience." But for most of us, that level of courage and most of us, that level of courage and most of us, that level of courage and that, you know, the the the hope that we that, you know, the the the hope that we that, you know, the the the hope that we would respond the way that that other would respond the way that that other would respond the way that that other people did, that's not going to come people did, that's not going to come people did, that's not going to come along. So, unfortunately, what we do is along. So, unfortunately, what we do is along. So, unfortunately, what we do is we diminish what we think the need for we diminish what we think the need for we diminish what we think the need for courage is because we misunderstand or courage is because we misunderstand or courage is because we misunderstand or we misinterpret some of the other things we misinterpret some of the other things we misinterpret some of the other things that we feel and experience in that we feel and experience in that we feel and experience in relationships. And that's kind of what

relationships. And that's kind of what relationships. And that's kind of what this series is about. Or to say it a this series is about. Or to say it a this series is about. Or to say it a different way, um we may not we may not different way, um we may not we may not different way, um we may not we may not face a a literal Goliath, but we all face a a literal Goliath, but we all face a a literal Goliath, but we all have our own giants. In fact, one of the have our own giants. In fact, one of the have our own giants. In fact, one of the giants, one of the threats that we all giants, one of the threats that we all giants, one of the threats that we all share in common is this acknowledging share in common is this acknowledging share in common is this acknowledging because this is kind of a first step in because this is kind of a first step in because this is kind of a first step in terms of what we've been talking about, terms of what we've been talking about, terms of what we've been talking about, acknowledging fear as the culprit behind acknowledging fear as the culprit behind acknowledging fear as the culprit behind our reluctance to do what we know we our reluctance to do what we know we our reluctance to do what we know we need to do. And throughout the series, need to do. And throughout the series, need to do. And throughout the series, we've said part of the challenge is we've said part of the challenge is we've said part of the challenge is realizing that what we're dealing with realizing that what we're dealing with realizing that what we're dealing with sometimes isn't what we think we're sometimes isn't what we think we're sometimes isn't what we think we're dealing with, but behind it all, we're dealing with, but behind it all, we're dealing with, but behind it all, we're really just afraid. And what we need is really just afraid. And what we need is really just afraid. And what we need is courage. But fear is difficult to see in courage. But fear is difficult to see in courage. But fear is difficult to see in the mirror. In fact, you probably don't the mirror. In fact, you probably don't the mirror. In fact, you probably don't admit, you know, can't remember the last admit, you know, can't remember the last admit, you know, can't remember the last time you said, "I was afraid." Unless it time you said, "I was afraid." Unless it time you said, "I was afraid." Unless it was physical, you know, literal physical was physical, you know, literal physical was physical, you know, literal physical danger. But it's difficult to see fear danger. But it's difficult to see fear danger. But it's difficult to see fear in the mirror. It's difficult to admit in the mirror. It's difficult to admit in the mirror. It's difficult to admit and we misname it. Especially, and this and we misname it. Especially, and this and we misname it. Especially, and this is where we're going today and where we is where we're going today and where we is where we're going today and where we went last week, especially when it comes went last week, especially when it comes went last week, especially when it comes to relationships, especially when it to relationships, especially when it to relationships, especially when it comes to family or extended family or comes to family or extended family or comes to family or extended family or your boss or somebody you manage at work your boss or somebody you manage at work your boss or somebody you manage at work that's a little bit intimidating um or that's a little bit intimidating um or that's a little bit intimidating um or work or or again at school. But here's work or or again at school. But here's work or or again at school. But here's the thing, and this is what kind of the thing, and this is what kind of the thing, and this is what kind of takes away all of our excuses, is when takes away all of our excuses, is when takes away all of our excuses, is when when we know what we need to do, when we when we know what we need to do, when we when we know what we need to do, when we know what we need to say, when we know know what we need to say, when we know know what we need to say, when we know what or who we need to confront or what what or who we need to confront or what what or who we need to confront or what we need to walk away from, and we refuse

we need to walk away from, and we refuse we need to walk away from, and we refuse to do what we know we need to do for to do what we know we need to do for to do what we know we need to do for fear of an outcome. Well, there it is. fear of an outcome. Well, there it is. fear of an outcome. Well, there it is. It's fear. It's a lack of courage. It's It's fear. It's a lack of courage. It's It's fear. It's a lack of courage. It's a lack of because these are everyday a lack of because these are everyday a lack of because these are everyday situations. It's a lack of everyday situations. It's a lack of everyday situations. It's a lack of everyday courage. So my goal in this series or courage. So my goal in this series or courage. So my goal in this series or one of my goals in this series is to one of my goals in this series is to one of my goals in this series is to help us begin to identify what the help us begin to identify what the help us begin to identify what the culprit really is because if we don't culprit really is because if we don't culprit really is because if we don't properly diagnose it, we can't cure it. properly diagnose it, we can't cure it. properly diagnose it, we can't cure it. We can't even begin to cure it. So the We can't even begin to cure it. So the We can't even begin to cure it. So the goal is to help us identify the fear goal is to help us identify the fear goal is to help us identify the fear that lurks in the background of so much that lurks in the background of so much that lurks in the background of so much that we face on a day-to-day basis. to that we face on a day-to-day basis. to that we face on a day-to-day basis. to see it for exactly what it is, to call see it for exactly what it is, to call see it for exactly what it is, to call it out for what it is, so then we can it out for what it is, so then we can it out for what it is, so then we can confront it and to inspire you to step confront it and to inspire you to step confront it and to inspire you to step up. And here's, you know, this is sort up. And here's, you know, this is sort up. And here's, you know, this is sort of the epic context because your life is of the epic context because your life is of the epic context because your life is a is a story, right? To to think in a is a story, right? To to think in a is a story, right? To to think in terms of your life as a story. This is terms of your life as a story. This is terms of your life as a story. This is an invitation for you to be the hero in an invitation for you to be the hero in an invitation for you to be the hero in the story of your life. The person that the story of your life. The person that the story of your life. The person that realizes, you know what, I'm afraid, but realizes, you know what, I'm afraid, but realizes, you know what, I'm afraid, but fear is not going to master me. Somebody fear is not going to master me. Somebody fear is not going to master me. Somebody needs to say something. Somebody needs needs to say something. Somebody needs needs to say something. Somebody needs to confront this. Somebody needs to to confront this. Somebody needs to to confront this. Somebody needs to leave. That's me. Somebody needs to leave. That's me. Somebody needs to leave. That's me. Somebody needs to move. Oh, that would be me. I'm going to move. Oh, that would be me. I'm going to move. Oh, that would be me. I'm going to be the story and I'm going to be the be the story and I'm going to be the be the story and I'm going to be the hero in the story of my life. I'm going hero in the story of my life. I'm going hero in the story of my life. I'm going to do the thing that needs to be done.

to do the thing that needs to be done. to do the thing that needs to be done. And I'm not going to wait for fear to And I'm not going to wait for fear to And I'm not going to wait for fear to disappear because fear doesn't disappear because fear doesn't disappear because fear doesn't disappear. You pick it up and you carry disappear. You pick it up and you carry disappear. You pick it up and you carry it with you into the future. And all of it with you into the future. And all of it with you into the future. And all of us to some degree at some level know us to some degree at some level know us to some degree at some level know what that's like. And we've done that. what that's like. And we've done that. what that's like. And we've done that. that I want you to refuse to live that I want you to refuse to live that I want you to refuse to live another day, work another day with fear another day, work another day with fear another day, work another day with fear as your master. To refuse to endure as your master. To refuse to endure as your master. To refuse to endure toxic environments that you need to get toxic environments that you need to get toxic environments that you need to get out of, toxic romantic relationships out of, toxic romantic relationships out of, toxic romantic relationships that you need to get out of, toxic that you need to get out of, toxic that you need to get out of, toxic friendships that you need to walk away friendships that you need to walk away friendships that you need to walk away from. And the reason we don't, we have from. And the reason we don't, we have from. And the reason we don't, we have all kinds of explanations, is because at all kinds of explanations, is because at all kinds of explanations, is because at the end of the day, we fear the the end of the day, we fear the the end of the day, we fear the consequence of those decisions. But that consequence of those decisions. But that consequence of those decisions. But that is the issue. It's a matter of courage. is the issue. It's a matter of courage. is the issue. It's a matter of courage. And granted, as is always the case when And granted, as is always the case when And granted, as is always the case when something requires courage, there is no something requires courage, there is no something requires courage, there is no guarantee guarantee guarantee to do something, to do the right thing, to do something, to do the right thing, to do something, to do the right thing, to step into the gap, to do the to step into the gap, to do the to step into the gap, to do the unprecedented, you know, the unprecedented, you know, the unprecedented, you know, the unthinkable. There is no guarantee.

unthinkable. There is no guarantee. unthinkable. There is no guarantee. There's no guarantee that there's going There's no guarantee that there's going There's no guarantee that there's going to be a bow. But refusing to move and to be a bow. But refusing to move and to be a bow. But refusing to move and refusing to act does come with a refusing to act does come with a refusing to act does come with a guarantee. It guarantees that nothing guarantee. It guarantees that nothing guarantee. It guarantees that nothing changes, that nothing gets better, that changes, that nothing gets better, that changes, that nothing gets better, that nothing gets fixed, that nothing gets nothing gets fixed, that nothing gets nothing gets fixed, that nothing gets addressed. And not only does nothing addressed. And not only does nothing addressed. And not only does nothing change, in most cases, things just get change, in most cases, things just get change, in most cases, things just get worse. In fact, one day, and maybe worse. In fact, one day, and maybe worse. In fact, one day, and maybe you've lived long enough to experience you've lived long enough to experience you've lived long enough to experience this already. I think most of us have, this already. I think most of us have, this already. I think most of us have, one day, you'll look back on this day, one day, you'll look back on this day, one day, you'll look back on this day, this relationship, this set of this relationship, this set of this relationship, this set of circumstances, and you will wish you had circumstances, and you will wish you had circumstances, and you will wish you had confronted that giant. You will wish you confronted that giant. You will wish you confronted that giant. You will wish you had walked down into the valley, had walked down into the valley, had walked down into the valley, confronted that giant, walked up to confronted that giant, walked up to confronted that giant, walked up to those walls, confronted that gate, and those walls, confronted that gate, and those walls, confronted that gate, and done the thing that you now know you done the thing that you now know you done the thing that you now know you need to do. And don't get your hopes up, need to do. And don't get your hopes up, need to do. And don't get your hopes up, but if the message were to end right but if the message were to end right but if the message were to end right now, it's not. now, it's not. now, it's not. You you know how this lands in your life You you know how this lands in your life You you know how this lands in your life because you've been wrestling with this, because you've been wrestling with this, because you've been wrestling with this, struggling with this and and again, you struggling with this and and again, you struggling with this and and again, you haven't characterized it as a matter of haven't characterized it as a matter of haven't characterized it as a matter of fear, but you know specifically what the fear, but you know specifically what the fear, but you know specifically what the implications are for you. And you've implications are for you. And you've implications are for you. And you've known for some time. You know what you known for some time. You know what you known for some time. You know what you should do. You know what you should say.

should do. You know what you should say. should do. You know what you should say. You know what you should walk away from. You know what you should walk away from. You know what you should walk away from. Your giant perhaps has a name. But the Your giant perhaps has a name. But the Your giant perhaps has a name. But the thought of the outcome paralyzes you, thought of the outcome paralyzes you, thought of the outcome paralyzes you, terrifies you. It's fear. terrifies you. It's fear. terrifies you. It's fear. and your fear won't disappear. You have and your fear won't disappear. You have and your fear won't disappear. You have to decide to do the thing. But up until to decide to do the thing. But up until to decide to do the thing. But up until now, perhaps you haven't framed the now, perhaps you haven't framed the now, perhaps you haven't framed the circumstances, framed the tension in circumstances, framed the tension in circumstances, framed the tension in terms of fear or a lack of courage. Your terms of fear or a lack of courage. Your terms of fear or a lack of courage. Your push back has been what our push back push back has been what our push back push back has been what our push back always is. It's complicated. We talked always is. It's complicated. We talked always is. It's complicated. We talked about this last week. Remember, it's about this last week. Remember, it's about this last week. Remember, it's complicated. But as we pointed out last complicated. But as we pointed out last complicated. But as we pointed out last time, it's complicated isn't a reason. time, it's complicated isn't a reason. time, it's complicated isn't a reason. It's complicated is simply an It's complicated is simply an It's complicated is simply an observation observation observation that we disguise as a reason not to do that we disguise as a reason not to do that we disguise as a reason not to do what we know we need to do. Now, if what we know we need to do. Now, if what we know we need to do. Now, if you're not a person of faith or you're you're not a person of faith or you're you're not a person of faith or you're of a different faith tradition, um of a different faith tradition, um of a different faith tradition, um everything that follows in this sermon everything that follows in this sermon everything that follows in this sermon is optional for you. And here's why I is optional for you. And here's why I is optional for you. And here's why I say that. If you are not a Jesus say that. If you are not a Jesus say that. If you are not a Jesus follower, obviously you are under no follower, obviously you are under no follower, obviously you are under no obligation to do what Jesus instructs obligation to do what Jesus instructs obligation to do what Jesus instructs his followers to do. So, you can just his followers to do. So, you can just his followers to do. So, you can just kind of sit the rest of the sermon out.

kind of sit the rest of the sermon out. kind of sit the rest of the sermon out. Um, but I think as you listen, if you Um, but I think as you listen, if you Um, but I think as you listen, if you continue to listen, you'll understand continue to listen, you'll understand continue to listen, you'll understand that what Jesus is inviting us into, as that what Jesus is inviting us into, as that what Jesus is inviting us into, as harsh as his language is, and I'm harsh as his language is, and I'm harsh as his language is, and I'm telling you, it's so harsh. I told telling you, it's so harsh. I told telling you, it's so harsh. I told Sandra yesterday, I'm not even looking Sandra yesterday, I'm not even looking Sandra yesterday, I'm not even looking forward to giving this sermon. Jesus is forward to giving this sermon. Jesus is forward to giving this sermon. Jesus is so harsh. But the reason he's harsh is so harsh. But the reason he's harsh is so harsh. But the reason he's harsh is the same reason your parents were harsh the same reason your parents were harsh the same reason your parents were harsh from time to time because they loved from time to time because they loved from time to time because they loved you. is the same reason that perhap you. is the same reason that perhap you. is the same reason that perhap perhaps you're a little bit harsh with perhaps you're a little bit harsh with perhaps you're a little bit harsh with your kids sometimes because you see what your kids sometimes because you see what your kids sometimes because you see what they can't see and you love them. And in they can't see and you love them. And in they can't see and you love them. And in the text we're going to look at, Jesus the text we're going to look at, Jesus the text we're going to look at, Jesus comes on strong, not because he's angry comes on strong, not because he's angry comes on strong, not because he's angry with his followers, but because he loves with his followers, but because he loves with his followers, but because he loves them and he loves them and he loves them and he loves you. So if you're not a Christian, you you. So if you're not a Christian, you you. So if you're not a Christian, you should consider this. If you are a Jesus should consider this. If you are a Jesus should consider this. If you are a Jesus follower, buckle up. Okay. So last week, follower, buckle up. Okay. So last week, follower, buckle up. Okay. So last week, if you'll remember, if you were here if you'll remember, if you were here if you'll remember, if you were here last week, quick review. In part two, we last week, quick review. In part two, we last week, quick review. In part two, we addressed the often mislabeled fear, addressed the often mislabeled fear, addressed the often mislabeled fear, this often mislabeled fear, the fear to this often mislabeled fear, the fear to this often mislabeled fear, the fear to forgive. And we talked about last week, forgive. And we talked about last week, forgive. And we talked about last week, we don't generally consider, we don't we don't generally consider, we don't we don't generally consider, we don't generally relate fear to forgiveness.

generally relate fear to forgiveness. generally relate fear to forgiveness. But at the end of the day, the reason we But at the end of the day, the reason we But at the end of the day, the reason we don't forgive and won't forgive, we don't forgive and won't forgive, we don't forgive and won't forgive, we talked about is actually fear. And I talked about is actually fear. And I talked about is actually fear. And I made the point that forgiveness is made the point that forgiveness is made the point that forgiveness is courageous. In fact, based on your courageous. In fact, based on your courageous. In fact, based on your circumstances, your decision to forgive circumstances, your decision to forgive circumstances, your decision to forgive someone or some someone's may be the someone or some someone's may be the someone or some someone's may be the most courageous thing you do as an most courageous thing you do as an most courageous thing you do as an adult. Because forgiveness is giving adult. Because forgiveness is giving adult. Because forgiveness is giving somebody something they don't deserve, somebody something they don't deserve, somebody something they don't deserve, that they haven't earned. In fact, it's that they haven't earned. In fact, it's that they haven't earned. In fact, it's giving someone who's taken from you giving someone who's taken from you giving someone who's taken from you something else. You're giving them a something else. You're giving them a something else. You're giving them a gift even though they have taken from gift even though they have taken from gift even though they have taken from you. That is epic. You are cancelling you. That is epic. You are cancelling you. That is epic. You are cancelling their debt. It it's forgiveness is their debt. It it's forgiveness is their debt. It it's forgiveness is taking back the reigns of your emotions taking back the reigns of your emotions taking back the reigns of your emotions from the person or the persons who hurt from the person or the persons who hurt from the person or the persons who hurt you. It's forgiveness. I love this idea. you. It's forgiveness. I love this idea. you. It's forgiveness. I love this idea. Forgiveness is independent of them. Forgiveness is independent of them. Forgiveness is independent of them. Choosing to be independent of them Choosing to be independent of them Choosing to be independent of them because you have forgiven them. And this because you have forgiven them. And this because you have forgiven them. And this is why forgiveness is epic. And this is is why forgiveness is epic. And this is is why forgiveness is epic. And this is why forgiveness is catalytic. that why forgiveness is catalytic. that why forgiveness is catalytic. that forgiveness has the potential to set forgiveness has the potential to set forgiveness has the potential to set something in motion in your life that something in motion in your life that something in motion in your life that can potentially impact not just your can potentially impact not just your can potentially impact not just your future, but the future of the people future, but the future of the people future, but the future of the people closest to you and the people that you closest to you and the people that you closest to you and the people that you love most. But, and this is where we love most. But, and this is where we love most. But, and this is where we ended last time, perhaps you've tried to ended last time, perhaps you've tried to ended last time, perhaps you've tried to forgive and you've done everything you forgive and you've done everything you forgive and you've done everything you know to forgive as much as you know know to forgive as much as you know know to forgive as much as you know about forgiveness and you just can't.

about forgiveness and you just can't. about forgiveness and you just can't. You just can't let it go. you you just You just can't let it go. you you just You just can't let it go. you you just keep circling back, having those same keep circling back, having those same keep circling back, having those same imaginary conversations, having those imaginary conversations, having those imaginary conversations, having those same out loud conversations, telling same out loud conversations, telling same out loud conversations, telling your story whenever you get a chance to, your story whenever you get a chance to, your story whenever you get a chance to, and you're always the victim, but it and you're always the victim, but it and you're always the victim, but it just sits there and it impacts you and just sits there and it impacts you and just sits there and it impacts you and it haunts your mind and your emotions, it haunts your mind and your emotions, it haunts your mind and your emotions, and you know, you just need to let it and you know, you just need to let it and you know, you just need to let it go, and you just can't figure out how to go, and you just can't figure out how to go, and you just can't figure out how to do it. And if that's you, do it. And if that's you, do it. And if that's you, today today today is for you. But it's more than just for is for you. But it's more than just for is for you. But it's more than just for those of you who are having a hard time those of you who are having a hard time those of you who are having a hard time forgiving. What Jesus says is for all of forgiving. What Jesus says is for all of forgiving. What Jesus says is for all of us at all times. And he calls us to a us at all times. And he calls us to a us at all times. And he calls us to a level of everyday courage that is easy level of everyday courage that is easy level of everyday courage that is easy to dismiss and difficult to embrace. And to dismiss and difficult to embrace. And to dismiss and difficult to embrace. And here's what we're talking about. here's what we're talking about. here's what we're talking about. More times than not, more times than More times than not, more times than More times than not, more times than not, the underlying reason we can't not, the underlying reason we can't not, the underlying reason we can't forgive and move on forgive and move on forgive and move on is that we aren't willing is that we aren't willing is that we aren't willing to admit to ourselves that we don't to admit to ourselves that we don't to admit to ourselves that we don't leave that we are partially responsible leave that we are partially responsible leave that we are partially responsible for what happened. Which means for what happened. Which means for what happened. Which means forgiveness is out of reach. Because forgiveness is out of reach. Because forgiveness is out of reach. Because forgiveness is out of reach apart from forgiveness is out of reach apart from forgiveness is out of reach apart from an additional forgiveness is out of an additional forgiveness is out of an additional forgiveness is out of reach apart from an additional reach apart from an additional reach apart from an additional expression of courage. Namely, this is expression of courage. Namely, this is expression of courage. Namely, this is where it gets rough. The courage to own where it gets rough. The courage to own where it gets rough. The courage to own or to acknowledge or to admit or to take

or to acknowledge or to admit or to take or to acknowledge or to admit or to take responsibility for our part in what responsibility for our part in what responsibility for our part in what transpired. our slice, however small, of transpired. our slice, however small, of transpired. our slice, however small, of the blame the blame the blame pie. Now, quick disclaimer. Don't miss pie. Now, quick disclaimer. Don't miss pie. Now, quick disclaimer. Don't miss this. If you were hurt or taken this. If you were hurt or taken this. If you were hurt or taken advantage of as a child, this does not advantage of as a child, this does not advantage of as a child, this does not apply to you. You were not at fault. You apply to you. You were not at fault. You apply to you. You were not at fault. You were and you are innocent. But apart were and you are innocent. But apart were and you are innocent. But apart from that, for the rest of us, this has from that, for the rest of us, this has from that, for the rest of us, this has extraordinary relevance. Not just extraordinary relevance. Not just extraordinary relevance. Not just relevance to our distant past, but relevance to our distant past, but relevance to our distant past, but relevance to our everyday experience as relevance to our everyday experience as relevance to our everyday experience as we are constantly in relationship with we are constantly in relationship with we are constantly in relationship with people and constantly around people who people and constantly around people who people and constantly around people who do things that require us to forgive do things that require us to forgive do things that require us to forgive them. But here's the thing, you can't them. But here's the thing, you can't them. But here's the thing, you can't forgive someone and move on. You can't forgive someone and move on. You can't forgive someone and move on. You can't put the past in the past. You can't put the past in the past. You can't put the past in the past. You can't forgive someone for their part and move forgive someone for their part and move forgive someone for their part and move on until you own your part because on until you own your part because on until you own your part because you've misplaced a portion of the blame.

you've misplaced a portion of the blame. you've misplaced a portion of the blame. You are holding someone and we we do You are holding someone and we we do You are holding someone and we we do this by accident. It's not on purpose. this by accident. It's not on purpose. this by accident. It's not on purpose. We hold someone else accountable for a We hold someone else accountable for a We hold someone else accountable for a bit of what we are responsible for bit of what we are responsible for bit of what we are responsible for because we haven't had and it's a because we haven't had and it's a because we haven't had and it's a courage issue because we haven't had the courage issue because we haven't had the courage issue because we haven't had the courage to acknowledge our role. You courage to acknowledge our role. You courage to acknowledge our role. You haven't had the courage, if I can press haven't had the courage, if I can press haven't had the courage, if I can press hard, you haven't had the courage to be hard, you haven't had the courage to be hard, you haven't had the courage to be angry with and disappointed in angry with and disappointed in angry with and disappointed in you. you. you. So you do what we always do. You blame. So you do what we always do. You blame. So you do what we always do. You blame. We blame. And we haven't had the courage We blame. And we haven't had the courage We blame. And we haven't had the courage to admit and own our role. And when that to admit and own our role. And when that to admit and own our role. And when that happens, when we haven't when we haven't happens, when we haven't when we haven't happens, when we haven't when we haven't either admitted or taken responsibility either admitted or taken responsibility either admitted or taken responsibility for it, we blame. And here's what our for it, we blame. And here's what our for it, we blame. And here's what our blame does. And here's why we blame. And blame does. And here's why we blame. And blame does. And here's why we blame. And we're all guilty. We blame. Because we're all guilty. We blame. Because we're all guilty. We blame. Because blame shields us from the truth about blame shields us from the truth about blame shields us from the truth about us. Because their part was so much us. Because their part was so much us. Because their part was so much bigger than ours. And they are so much bigger than ours. And they are so much bigger than ours. And they are so much more guilty than us. It is easy to put more guilty than us. It is easy to put more guilty than us. It is easy to put all the blame on them even when a all the blame on them even when a all the blame on them even when a portion of the blame belongs to us. And portion of the blame belongs to us. And portion of the blame belongs to us. And as we blame, we defend ourselves from as we blame, we defend ourselves from as we blame, we defend ourselves from ourselves and we shield ourselves from ourselves and we shield ourselves from ourselves and we shield ourselves from what we aren't willing to admit about what we aren't willing to admit about what we aren't willing to admit about ourselves. And what happens is this ourselves. And what happens is this ourselves. And what happens is this provides justification.

provides justification. provides justification. provides justification for refusing to provides justification for refusing to provides justification for refusing to do perhaps the most courageous thing you do perhaps the most courageous thing you do perhaps the most courageous thing you will ever do as an adult. To confront will ever do as an adult. To confront will ever do as an adult. To confront the giants of guilt of guilt and pride and shame, you can't put it all behind and shame, you can't put it all behind you until you acknowledge it all to you until you acknowledge it all to you until you acknowledge it all to begin with. or to quote Jesus, you can't begin with. or to quote Jesus, you can't begin with. or to quote Jesus, you can't put it all behind you until you put it all behind you until you put it all behind you until you acknowledge your part. Here's his word acknowledge your part. Here's his word acknowledge your part. Here's his word first. Now, we're getting to the Jesus first. Now, we're getting to the Jesus first. Now, we're getting to the Jesus part, okay? Because I don't want you to part, okay? Because I don't want you to part, okay? Because I don't want you to be mad at me. I'm going to deflect to be mad at me. I'm going to deflect to be mad at me. I'm going to deflect to Jesus. Okay? This is so important. And Jesus. Okay? This is so important. And Jesus. Okay? This is so important. And again, look look here. If you're if again, look look here. If you're if again, look look here. If you're if you're not a Christian, listen, you even you're not a Christian, listen, you even you're not a Christian, listen, you even if you don't believe Jesus is the son of if you don't believe Jesus is the son of if you don't believe Jesus is the son of God, you should read what Jesus taught. God, you should read what Jesus taught. God, you should read what Jesus taught. It's so powerful. It is literally It's so powerful. It is literally It's so powerful. It is literally catalytic. It is lifechanging. Not catalytic. It is lifechanging. Not catalytic. It is lifechanging. Not simply believing, but following what he simply believing, but following what he simply believing, but following what he teaches. And in this passage that we're teaches. And in this passage that we're teaches. And in this passage that we're going to look at that I'm thinking going to look at that I'm thinking going to look at that I'm thinking everybody listening or watching has everybody listening or watching has everybody listening or watching has heard before, read before. Even if heard before, read before. Even if heard before, read before. Even if you're not a Christian, you've heard you're not a Christian, you've heard you're not a Christian, you've heard bits and pieces of this before. In fact, bits and pieces of this before. In fact, bits and pieces of this before. In fact, you've heard this so often, you may not you've heard this so often, you may not you've heard this so often, you may not have even known that Jesus is the one have even known that Jesus is the one have even known that Jesus is the one who said it. But Jesus addresses this who said it. But Jesus addresses this who said it. But Jesus addresses this directly and uncomfortably.

directly and uncomfortably. directly and uncomfortably. And again, you may have heard it before, And again, you may have heard it before, And again, you may have heard it before, but maybe you assumed he was talking to but maybe you assumed he was talking to but maybe you assumed he was talking to someone else about someone else. You someone else about someone else. You someone else about someone else. You ready? Doesn't matter if you're ready. ready? Doesn't matter if you're ready. ready? Doesn't matter if you're ready. Listen, listen to this. He asked a Listen, listen to this. He asked a Listen, listen to this. He asked a question. Why do you look at the speck question. Why do you look at the speck question. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own? no attention to the plank in your own? no attention to the plank in your own? Why do you look solely at them and what Why do you look solely at them and what Why do you look solely at them and what they did and refuse to consider your they did and refuse to consider your they did and refuse to consider your part or your role in what happened? And part or your role in what happened? And part or your role in what happened? And here's I'll answer for all of us, Jesus. here's I'll answer for all of us, Jesus. here's I'll answer for all of us, Jesus. Because we didn't have one. We didn't Because we didn't have one. We didn't Because we didn't have one. We didn't play a part that we had no role. It was play a part that we had no role. It was play a part that we had no role. It was 100% them. And then we retreat behind 100% them. And then we retreat behind 100% them. And then we retreat behind the walls of our wellwn worn story, most the walls of our wellwn worn story, most the walls of our wellwn worn story, most of which is absolutely true. We retreat of which is absolutely true. We retreat of which is absolutely true. We retreat behind the wall of our wellrehearsed behind the wall of our wellrehearsed behind the wall of our wellrehearsed account of what happened which account of what happened which account of what happened which ultimately becomes an excuse for not ultimately becomes an excuse for not ultimately becomes an excuse for not acknowledging our role. And then we say, acknowledging our role. And then we say, acknowledging our role. And then we say, Jesus, besides that, before you finish, Jesus, besides that, before you finish, Jesus, besides that, before you finish, it's not a speck. Okay? It's not a speck it's not a speck. Okay? It's not a speck it's not a speck. Okay? It's not a speck of sawdust in our brother's eye. Okay?

of sawdust in our brother's eye. Okay? of sawdust in our brother's eye. Okay? It's not a speck. He lied to me. She It's not a speck. He lied to me. She It's not a speck. He lied to me. She lied to me. They stole from me. They did lied to me. They stole from me. They did lied to me. They stole from me. They did not do what they said they were going to not do what they said they were going to not do what they said they were going to do. They promised and broke their do. They promised and broke their do. They promised and broke their promise. They abandoned me. She promise. They abandoned me. She promise. They abandoned me. She abandoned us. Don't put, hey, don't put abandoned us. Don't put, hey, don't put abandoned us. Don't put, hey, don't put this on me. this on me. this on me. And Jesus, who loves you so much, he And Jesus, who loves you so much, he And Jesus, who loves you so much, he gave his life for you, presses on gave his life for you, presses on gave his life for you, presses on anyway, how can you say, how can you say anyway, how can you say, how can you say anyway, how can you say, how can you say to your brother, permit me to take the to your brother, permit me to take the to your brother, permit me to take the speck out of your eye? In other words, speck out of your eye? In other words, speck out of your eye? In other words, how can you say to that person, let me how can you say to that person, let me how can you say to that person, let me show you what you did wrong. And that's show you what you did wrong. And that's show you what you did wrong. And that's that's when we respond. Yeah, that's that's when we respond. Yeah, that's that's when we respond. Yeah, that's exactly what we want to do. I don't want exactly what we want to do. I don't want exactly what we want to do. I don't want to take the speck out of their eye. I to take the speck out of their eye. I to take the speck out of their eye. I want to point out the speck in their eye want to point out the speck in their eye want to point out the speck in their eye and I want to point it out in such a way and I want to point it out in such a way and I want to point it out in such a way that they take responsibility for what that they take responsibility for what that they take responsibility for what they've done. Jesus just ignores us and they've done. Jesus just ignores us and they've done. Jesus just ignores us and moves on. How can you say to your moves on. How can you say to your moves on. How can you say to your brother, "Permit me to take the speck brother, "Permit me to take the speck brother, "Permit me to take the speck out of your eye." when all the time out of your eye." when all the time out of your eye." when all the time there is a log, there is a plank. There there is a log, there is a plank. There there is a log, there is a plank. There is a 2x8 or a 2x12 in your own eye. And is a 2x8 or a 2x12 in your own eye. And is a 2x8 or a 2x12 in your own eye. And we say, "Jesus, I know you're Jesus and we say, "Jesus, I know you're Jesus and we say, "Jesus, I know you're Jesus and everything, everything, everything, but I don't see it that way."

but I don't see it that way." but I don't see it that way." And he says, "That's my point. And he says, "That's my point. And he says, "That's my point. you don't see you don't see you don't see clearly. Refusal Refusal to see what is there to see is a recipe to see what is there to see is a recipe to see what is there to see is a recipe for compounding resentment. Let me say for compounding resentment. Let me say for compounding resentment. Let me say that again. Refusing to see what is that again. Refusing to see what is that again. Refusing to see what is actually there to see is a recipe for actually there to see is a recipe for actually there to see is a recipe for compounding resentment. Let me tell you compounding resentment. Let me tell you compounding resentment. Let me tell you what I mean by this. This is why hurt what I mean by this. This is why hurt what I mean by this. This is why hurt people hurt people. Th this is why people hurt people. Th this is why people hurt people. Th this is why you've experienced, maybe it's not you, you've experienced, maybe it's not you, you've experienced, maybe it's not you, maybe it is, but you aren't willing to maybe it is, but you aren't willing to maybe it is, but you aren't willing to admit it, but you have met people like admit it, but you have met people like admit it, but you have met people like this who carry resentment everywhere this who carry resentment everywhere this who carry resentment everywhere they go. And it seems to compound over they go. And it seems to compound over they go. And it seems to compound over time with every new relationship, every time with every new relationship, every time with every new relationship, every new job, every new marriage. It just new job, every new marriage. It just new job, every new marriage. It just seems it just seems to compound. It's seems it just seems to compound. It's seems it just seems to compound. It's like their story and their resentment like their story and their resentment like their story and their resentment grows and grows and grows and grows. And grows and grows and grows and grows. And grows and grows and grows and grows. And Jesus is trying to keep us from allowing Jesus is trying to keep us from allowing Jesus is trying to keep us from allowing that to happen in our lives. He said, "I that to happen in our lives. He said, "I that to happen in our lives. He said, "I don't want your resentment and your don't want your resentment and your don't want your resentment and your anger to compound over time. I want to anger to compound over time. I want to anger to compound over time. I want to help you eliminate it, but you can't help you eliminate it, but you can't help you eliminate it, but you can't eliminate it. And you can't forgive and eliminate it. And you can't forgive and eliminate it. And you can't forgive and move on until you acknowledge move on until you acknowledge move on until you acknowledge your part, your role, the plank in your your part, your role, the plank in your your part, your role, the plank in your eye.

eye. eye. And then if we're not already so And then if we're not already so And then if we're not already so offended, it's like again, if you're not offended, it's like again, if you're not offended, it's like again, if you're not a Jesus follower, you're thinking, a Jesus follower, you're thinking, a Jesus follower, you're thinking, "Well, I'm definitely not going to "Well, I'm definitely not going to "Well, I'm definitely not going to follow now. This is the most ridiculous follow now. This is the most ridiculous follow now. This is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard." Right? Look up thing I ever heard." Right? Look up thing I ever heard." Right? Look up here. Look what he says next is so harsh here. Look what he says next is so harsh here. Look what he says next is so harsh because he cares because he cares because he cares so much. You You hypocrite. We're like, "Whoa, whoa, hypocrite. We're like, "Whoa, whoa, hypocrite. We're like, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, wait. What do whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, wait. What do whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, wait. What do you mean we're hypocrites?" Jesus says, you mean we're hypocrites?" Jesus says, you mean we're hypocrites?" Jesus says, "Look, you're a hypocrite because you're "Look, you're a hypocrite because you're "Look, you're a hypocrite because you're doing the very thing that you accuse doing the very thing that you accuse doing the very thing that you accuse them of doing. You're you're angry with them of doing. You're you're angry with them of doing. You're you're angry with them because they won't own up to what them because they won't own up to what them because they won't own up to what they've done. They won't take they've done. They won't take they've done. They won't take responsibility for what they're they've responsibility for what they're they've responsibility for what they're they've done. They don't even understand what done. They don't even understand what done. They don't even understand what they've not even considered your they've not even considered your they've not even considered your feelings. They haven't even considered feelings. They haven't even considered feelings. They haven't even considered how they've harmed you. They they're not how they've harmed you. They they're not how they've harmed you. They they're not owning their part of the pie. And that's owning their part of the pie. And that's owning their part of the pie. And that's what you're angry about. But neither are what you're angry about. But neither are what you're angry about. But neither are you. This makes you a hypocrite if you. This makes you a hypocrite if you. This makes you a hypocrite if you're not willing to acknowledge or at you're not willing to acknowledge or at you're not willing to acknowledge or at least be curious about whether or not least be curious about whether or not least be curious about whether or not there's a plank in your eyes going, there's a plank in your eyes going, there's a plank in your eyes going, "Come on. Don't you want them to pay "Come on. Don't you want them to pay "Come on. Don't you want them to pay attention to their part?" Yes. Well, attention to their part?" Yes. Well, attention to their part?" Yes. Well, come on. Pay attention to yours or come on. Pay attention to yours or come on. Pay attention to yours or you're a hypocrite. You're refusing to you're a hypocrite. You're refusing to you're a hypocrite. You're refusing to do the courageous thing.

do the courageous thing. do the courageous thing. This is his invitation. This is his invitation. This is his invitation. You're refusing to do the courageous You're refusing to do the courageous You're refusing to do the courageous thing. And the courageous thing is to thing. And the courageous thing is to thing. And the courageous thing is to look into the mirror and ask this look into the mirror and ask this look into the mirror and ask this courageous question. You want to be the courageous question. You want to be the courageous question. You want to be the hero in your own story? hero in your own story? hero in your own story? Ask this question. Did Ask this question. Did Ask this question. Did Did I play a role in this? I mean, I I Did I play a role in this? I mean, I I Did I play a role in this? I mean, I I it's hard for me to understand how or it's hard for me to understand how or it's hard for me to understand how or did Okay, them aside, am I Did I play a did Okay, them aside, am I Did I play a did Okay, them aside, am I Did I play a role in this? Am I partly to blame role in this? Am I partly to blame role in this? Am I partly to blame for what happened? for what happened? for what happened? Did Did someone try to warn me and I Did Did someone try to warn me and I Did Did someone try to warn me and I just blew them off, ignored them? Did just blew them off, ignored them? Did just blew them off, ignored them? Did Did I thinking back, Did I thinking back, Did I thinking back, did I know deep down I had no business, did I know deep down I had no business, did I know deep down I had no business, but just went ahead anyway? Did I go along with it Did I go along with it instead of walking away from it? And instead of walking away from it? And instead of walking away from it? And then this one, this goes right to the then this one, this goes right to the then this one, this goes right to the heart of what your savior wants you to heart of what your savior wants you to heart of what your savior wants you to consider.

Did I choose not to see what I didn't Did I choose not to see what I didn't want want want to see? The greater the hurt, the more courage The greater the hurt, the more courage it requires to ask a question like this. it requires to ask a question like this. it requires to ask a question like this. The greater the hurt, the less pressure The greater the hurt, the less pressure The greater the hurt, the less pressure we feel to ask a question like this. we feel to ask a question like this. we feel to ask a question like this. But to refuse to But to refuse to But to refuse to may leave you placing blame on them that may leave you placing blame on them that may leave you placing blame on them that belongs to you. And you'll never be able belongs to you. And you'll never be able belongs to you. And you'll never be able to move on. you'll never be able to to move on. you'll never be able to to move on. you'll never be able to completely forgive. completely forgive. completely forgive. So Jesus just keeps going. You So Jesus just keeps going. You So Jesus just keeps going. You hypocrite. hypocrite. hypocrite. And listen to now how he's going to rep And listen to now how he's going to rep And listen to now how he's going to rep prioritize the way we think. It's so prioritize the way we think. It's so prioritize the way we think. It's so brilliant. You hypocrite. brilliant. You hypocrite. brilliant. You hypocrite. First, first what he says, first start First, first what he says, first start First, first what he says, first start with you, not them. To which we say, with you, not them. To which we say, with you, not them. To which we say, yeah, but them is the cause. to which yeah, but them is the cause. to which yeah, but them is the cause. to which Jesus would say perhaps.

Jesus would say perhaps. Jesus would say perhaps. But what can you do about them? But what can you do about them? But what can you do about them? Oh yeah, nothing. Oh yeah, nothing. Oh yeah, nothing. First, First, First, take the plank out of your own eye. take the plank out of your own eye. take the plank out of your own eye. Acknowledge you have one. Identify it Acknowledge you have one. Identify it Acknowledge you have one. Identify it and remove it. Take responsibility for and remove it. Take responsibility for and remove it. Take responsibility for it. Look at this. and then you will see it. Look at this. and then you will see it. Look at this. and then you will see clearly. It takes courage to shift our focus from It takes courage to shift our focus from their big part to our smallest part. And their big part to our smallest part. And their big part to our smallest part. And let me tell you why it takes courage. let me tell you why it takes courage. let me tell you why it takes courage. This is a courage issue. It's not always This is a courage issue. It's not always This is a courage issue. It's not always complicated issue. It is a courage complicated issue. It is a courage complicated issue. It is a courage issue. Here's why it's it takes courage. issue. Here's why it's it takes courage. issue. Here's why it's it takes courage. Two reasons. Number one, Two reasons. Number one, Two reasons. Number one, I'll just say you, but we, all of us, we I'll just say you, but we, all of us, we I'll just say you, but we, all of us, we grow comfortable. Isn't it true? We grow grow comfortable. Isn't it true? We grow grow comfortable. Isn't it true? We grow comfortable with the cocoon comfortable with the cocoon comfortable with the cocoon that we get inside of that we get inside of that we get inside of that surrounds us with our defenses and that surrounds us with our defenses and that surrounds us with our defenses and our excuses. It is warm and it is our excuses. It is warm and it is our excuses. It is warm and it is familiar. And anytime it comes up, we familiar. And anytime it comes up, we familiar. And anytime it comes up, we have a wonderful story to tell. and we have a wonderful story to tell. and we have a wonderful story to tell. and we have grown comfortable with our story have grown comfortable with our story have grown comfortable with our story but it's a prison.

but it's a prison. but it's a prison. Second reason this takes courage. Second reason this takes courage. Second reason this takes courage. The moment, and this is this is where The moment, and this is this is where The moment, and this is this is where there's a fear factor for some of us, there's a fear factor for some of us, there's a fear factor for some of us, maybe you. The moment you transfer part maybe you. The moment you transfer part maybe you. The moment you transfer part of the blame from them, even a slice of of the blame from them, even a slice of of the blame from them, even a slice of the blame from them to you, the blame from them to you, the blame from them to you, it weakens your case against them. And it weakens your case against them. And it weakens your case against them. And that feels like losing. And you have that feels like losing. And you have that feels like losing. And you have already lost so already lost so already lost so much. much. much. Your king says, Jesus says it's not Your king says, Jesus says it's not Your king says, Jesus says it's not losing. Ultimately, it is liberating. losing. Ultimately, it is liberating. losing. Ultimately, it is liberating. And it's why he says, "I'm calling you And it's why he says, "I'm calling you And it's why he says, "I'm calling you out." It's why I will potentially offend out." It's why I will potentially offend out." It's why I will potentially offend you if it will shake you up enough to at you if it will shake you up enough to at you if it will shake you up enough to at least consider your part of the story. least consider your part of the story. least consider your part of the story. Because it's only when you get to the Because it's only when you get to the Because it's only when you get to the place that you acknowledge what you've place that you acknowledge what you've place that you acknowledge what you've done and forgive yourself that you are done and forgive yourself that you are done and forgive yourself that you are free to forgive them and move on. This free to forgive them and move on. This free to forgive them and move on. This is what positions us to forgive is what positions us to forgive is what positions us to forgive ourselves and enables us and empowers us ourselves and enables us and empowers us ourselves and enables us and empowers us to forgive others. Not just for the big to forgive others. Not just for the big to forgive others. Not just for the big things, not just for the past things, things, not just for the past things, things, not just for the past things, but for the everyday things. because but for the everyday things. because but for the everyday things. because this is supposed to be the rhythm of this is supposed to be the rhythm of this is supposed to be the rhythm of life for the followers of life for the followers of life for the followers of Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Now, if that's like, okay, Andy, you you Now, if that's like, okay, Andy, you you Now, if that's like, okay, Andy, you you know, I I' I'd like to I know you've know, I I' I'd like to I know you've know, I I' I'd like to I know you've already said it's not it's not already said it's not it's not already said it's not it's not complicated, but it is complicated. complicated, but it is complicated. complicated, but it is complicated. Okay, but before you push back, just Okay, but before you push back, just Okay, but before you push back, just think one more angle. Let's flip it think one more angle. Let's flip it think one more angle. Let's flip it around. Don't answer out loud and no around. Don't answer out loud and no around. Don't answer out loud and no elbows, okay? elbows, okay? elbows, okay? Don't you wish that your husband or your Don't you wish that your husband or your Don't you wish that your husband or your wife, your fiance, Don't you wish your wife, your fiance, Don't you wish your wife, your fiance, Don't you wish your teenage daughter, your teenage son teenage daughter, your teenage son teenage daughter, your teenage son would first would first would first consider the plank in their own eye consider the plank in their own eye consider the plank in their own eye before they come launching into you? The before they come launching into you? The before they come launching into you? The answer is yes. And Jesus chuckles and answer is yes. And Jesus chuckles and answer is yes. And Jesus chuckles and says, ' That's why I called you a says, ' That's why I called you a says, ' That's why I called you a hypocrite. Because this is what you want hypocrite. Because this is what you want hypocrite. Because this is what you want everyone in your life to do. So it everyone in your life to do. So it everyone in your life to do. So it should start with you. I mean, imagine, should start with you. I mean, imagine, should start with you. I mean, imagine, you know, 15-year-old daughter walks you know, 15-year-old daughter walks you know, 15-year-old daughter walks into the kitchen. Mom, into the kitchen. Mom, into the kitchen. Mom, okay.

okay. okay. I was so angry with you at when we were I was so angry with you at when we were I was so angry with you at when we were driving back from school in the car, you driving back from school in the car, you driving back from school in the car, you know, we had that thing, you know, and know, we had that thing, you know, and know, we had that thing, you know, and finally neither one of us could even finally neither one of us could even finally neither one of us could even talk to each other. I was so mad at you. talk to each other. I was so mad at you. talk to each other. I was so mad at you. I So, I went up to my room and I thought I So, I went up to my room and I thought I So, I went up to my room and I thought about it and I realized, okay, it's not about it and I realized, okay, it's not about it and I realized, okay, it's not just my mom. I I part of this is my just my mom. I I part of this is my just my mom. I I part of this is my fault. Mom. Mom. Mom. Dad. I think mom passed out, right? Imagine it. Imagine it. Your savior says, "Don't imagine it. Your savior says, "Don't imagine it. Your savior says, "Don't imagine it. Model it." Model it." Model it." But it's mostly I know it's mostly, but But it's mostly I know it's mostly, but But it's mostly I know it's mostly, but if you've got a slice to own, own it. It if you've got a slice to own, own it. It if you've got a slice to own, own it. It is your way out. It is the way forward. is your way out. It is the way forward. is your way out. It is the way forward. Jesus said go there Jesus said go there Jesus said go there first. Question is, have you gone there first. Question is, have you gone there first. Question is, have you gone there at all?

at all? at all? The mirror in this case can be a scary The mirror in this case can be a scary The mirror in this case can be a scary place. But the mirror in this context place. But the mirror in this context place. But the mirror in this context can be a revealing place and it can be a can be a revealing place and it can be a can be a revealing place and it can be a healing place. Here's my observation. I healing place. Here's my observation. I healing place. Here's my observation. I I bet you've observed this as well. I bet you've observed this as well. I bet you've observed this as well. Bitter people, Bitter people, Bitter people, angry people angry people angry people are always angry with themselves, but are always angry with themselves, but are always angry with themselves, but they don't know it. And you may be angry they don't know it. And you may be angry they don't know it. And you may be angry with yourself and you just don't know it with yourself and you just don't know it with yourself and you just don't know it because you haven't yet admitted it. And because you haven't yet admitted it. And because you haven't yet admitted it. And you don't want to live that way. And my you don't want to live that way. And my you don't want to live that way. And my hope my hope is that you would begin to hope my hope is that you would begin to hope my hope is that you would begin to fear the consequences of refusing to fear the consequences of refusing to fear the consequences of refusing to forgive more than you fear forgiving. forgive more than you fear forgiving. forgive more than you fear forgiving. And my hope and your savior's hope is And my hope and your savior's hope is And my hope and your savior's hope is that you would fear the consequences of that you would fear the consequences of that you would fear the consequences of refusing to own your own own your share refusing to own your own own your share refusing to own your own own your share of the blame more than you fear owning of the blame more than you fear owning of the blame more than you fear owning your share your share your share of the blame. of the blame. of the blame. So if you're having a hard time So if you're having a hard time So if you're having a hard time forgiving, letting it go and moving on, forgiving, letting it go and moving on, forgiving, letting it go and moving on, moving on, maybe moving on, maybe moving on, maybe start by acknowledging your king's start by acknowledging your king's start by acknowledging your king's invitation.

invitation. invitation. May maybe begin with this courageous May maybe begin with this courageous May maybe begin with this courageous um humility laden somewhat threatening um humility laden somewhat threatening um humility laden somewhat threatening prayer and you don't have to use my prayer and you don't have to use my prayer and you don't have to use my words words words but what if we all began to pray but what if we all began to pray but what if we all began to pray something like this heavenly father something like this heavenly father something like this heavenly father I want to see clearly I want to see clearly I want to see clearly I if there's something I need to see I I I want to see it heavenly father do I I I want to see it heavenly father do I I I have a plank when it comes to them and have a plank when it comes to them and have a plank when it comes to them and that in the past or the present or my that in the past or the present or my that in the past or the present or my boss or my teacher or you know my fiance boss or my teacher or you know my fiance boss or my teacher or you know my fiance or my husband or do or my husband or do or my husband or do do I have a plank do I have a plank do I have a plank this may be or something like this may this may be or something like this may this may be or something like this may be the single act of courage that serves be the single act of courage that serves be the single act of courage that serves as a catalyst for extraordinary for you as a catalyst for extraordinary for you as a catalyst for extraordinary for you for your family for this generation of for your family for this generation of for your family for this generation of your family and maybe the next something your family and maybe the next something your family and maybe the next something like this. This level of humility may be like this. This level of humility may be like this. This level of humility may be the thing that actually breaks you away the thing that actually breaks you away the thing that actually breaks you away from the thing that's been trailing from the thing that's been trailing from the thing that's been trailing along behind you that is not serving you along behind you that is not serving you along behind you that is not serving you well.

well. well. After all, hopefully you know this. If After all, hopefully you know this. If After all, hopefully you know this. If not, this is good for you to know. It not, this is good for you to know. It not, this is good for you to know. It was Jesus who said, "And you shall know was Jesus who said, "And you shall know was Jesus who said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you the truth, and the truth shall make you the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Your courage, your courage to free." Your courage, your courage to free." Your courage, your courage to admit the truth about the role you admit the truth about the role you admit the truth about the role you played may in fact be the truth that played may in fact be the truth that played may in fact be the truth that finally sets you free. Free to forgive. finally sets you free. Free to forgive. finally sets you free. Free to forgive. Free to forgive. And free to live your Free to forgive. And free to live your Free to forgive. And free to live your life the way Jesus has called you to life the way Jesus has called you to life the way Jesus has called you to live it. Free to forgive and free to live it. Free to forgive and free to live it. Free to forgive and free to move on. move on. move on. And last thing, if you're not a Jesus And last thing, if you're not a Jesus And last thing, if you're not a Jesus follower or you used to be or you left follower or you used to be or you left follower or you used to be or you left for whatever reason, for whatever reason, for whatever reason, this is an invitation to you as well. this is an invitation to you as well. this is an invitation to you as well. Because following Jesus, this is just Because following Jesus, this is just Because following Jesus, this is just another example. We say it all the time. another example. We say it all the time. another example. We say it all the time. This is just another example of how This is just another example of how This is just another example of how following Jesus will make your life following Jesus will make your life following Jesus will make your life better and make you better at life. So better and make you better at life. So better and make you better at life. So if it's been a long time since you've if it's been a long time since you've if it's been a long time since you've considered Jesus, I hope that today considered Jesus, I hope that today considered Jesus, I hope that today that you will. He loves you enough to that you will. He loves you enough to that you will. He loves you enough to say the hard things, even the harsh say the hard things, even the harsh say the hard things, even the harsh things, because he loves you.

things, because he loves you. things, because he loves you. Let's pray together. Let's pray together. Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, would you give each of us the wisdom to would you give each of us the wisdom to would you give each of us the wisdom to hear what we needed to hear today in hear what we needed to hear today in hear what we needed to hear today in spite of how I said it or how well I spite of how I said it or how well I spite of how I said it or how well I explained it? Will you just just take us explained it? Will you just just take us explained it? Will you just just take us beyond my words for sure? And give us beyond my words for sure? And give us beyond my words for sure? And give us the courage. Give us the courage to ask the courage. Give us the courage to ask the courage. Give us the courage to ask the question, is there something in my the question, is there something in my the question, is there something in my eyes? Is there something I don't want to eyes? Is there something I don't want to eyes? Is there something I don't want to see that I need to see? see that I need to see? see that I need to see? I can only imagine what would happen in I can only imagine what would happen in I can only imagine what would happen in our families and our communities if we our families and our communities if we our families and our communities if we started first with ourselves before we started first with ourselves before we started first with ourselves before we went after the people around us. Father, went after the people around us. Father, went after the people around us. Father, for the the man or the woman who has for the the man or the woman who has for the the man or the woman who has deep, deep, deep hurt from the past, deep, deep, deep hurt from the past, deep, deep, deep hurt from the past, things they had virtually no control things they had virtually no control things they had virtually no control over, I pray that you would give them over, I pray that you would give them over, I pray that you would give them eyes and ears to see and to hear what eyes and ears to see and to hear what eyes and ears to see and to hear what they needed today. So wherever this they needed today. So wherever this they needed today. So wherever this lands with us, for those of us who are lands with us, for those of us who are lands with us, for those of us who are seeking to follow, we want to get it seeking to follow, we want to get it seeking to follow, we want to get it right. So open our eyes. Give us the right. So open our eyes. Give us the right. So open our eyes. Give us the courage to see what's there and then the courage to see what's there and then the courage to see what's there and then the courage to act. Not wait for our fear to courage to act. Not wait for our fear to courage to act. Not wait for our fear to disappear, but to do the thing you've disappear, but to do the thing you've disappear, but to do the thing you've called us to do. And I pray all of that called us to do. And I pray all of that called us to do. And I pray all of that in the matchless name of Jesus.

in the matchless name of Jesus. in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen. I know that was heavy. Thanks for I know that was heavy. Thanks for sitting through it. I know you'll do sitting through it. I know you'll do sitting through it. I know you'll do what you need to do with it. As always, what you need to do with it. As always, what you need to do with it. As always, there are three questions I'd love for there are three questions I'd love for there are three questions I'd love for you to wrestle with over dinner with you to wrestle with over dinner with you to wrestle with over dinner with your small group. One of these in your small group. One of these in your small group. One of these in particular would be fun or interesting particular would be fun or interesting particular would be fun or interesting to talk to with your high school age to talk to with your high school age to talk to with your high school age students, maybe your middle-aged um your students, maybe your middle-aged um your students, maybe your middle-aged um your middle school students as well. Next middle school students as well. Next middle school students as well. Next week, we're wrapping up the series. And week, we're wrapping up the series. And week, we're wrapping up the series. And at the end of the message next week, um at the end of the message next week, um at the end of the message next week, um I'm going to share a story with you from I'm going to share a story with you from I'm going to share a story with you from someone you've never met before. And someone you've never met before. And someone you've never met before. And it's it's such a powerful powerful story it's it's such a powerful powerful story it's it's such a powerful powerful story as we kind of move once again to a as we kind of move once again to a as we kind of move once again to a different topic as it relates to different topic as it relates to different topic as it relates to everyday courage. Kids stuff begins in a everyday courage. Kids stuff begins in a everyday courage. Kids stuff begins in a few minutes. If you got K through fifth few minutes. If you got K through fifth few minutes. If you got K through fifth graders, pick them up. Don't miss it. graders, pick them up. Don't miss it. graders, pick them up. Don't miss it. We'll see you next week.