Played: 44 | Download | Duration: 00:02:04

A Sack of Potatoes

If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.
John 20:23

A seminary professor, who was teaching on the high cost of unforgiveness, asked each of his students to bring a sack of potatoes to class. For each person they refused to forgive, they had to select a potato and write the date on it beside that person’s name. Then for a month, without fail, they each had to carry the sack of potatoes with them everywhere they went. What a drag! After lugging the sacks around for a while each student began to recognize: a) how much weight they were carrying spiritually b) the amount of energy it took to focus on their bag c) that they had to be careful not to leave it in the wrong place. Eventually, as the potatoes began to rot and stink, each student realized that getting rid of them was the only smart thing to do. Listen: "You can’t get forgiveness without forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part" (Matthew 6:14-15). What a price! Forgiveness isn’t just a gift you give somebody else, it’s one you give yourself, because when you harbor bitterness, happiness docks elsewhere! Listen again: "If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t, what are you going to do with them" Good question! How would you like God to forgive you the way you forgive others? If that thought makes you uncomfortable, then take action and do something about it before this day is over!

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me forgive and get these potatoes off my back! It smells real bad! Thank you for your forgiveness. In Jesus' Name, Amen