Forgiveness Summary

  • Forgiveness is
    • A fundamental issue of the Christian faith
    • Probably the most important thing that every human being needs
    • Can be hard!
  • Jesus died so that we might be forgiven for our sins. Mark 10:45
  • As a result, we must in turn forgive
  • If we do not then we sit as judge over them – but that is God’s role. Deuteronomy 32:35
  • Forgiveness means
    • Surrendering to Jesus our right to judge someone
    • Releasing the individual and allowing the Lord to be judge
  • Forgiveness is a command. Matthew 6:14-15
  • We must obey the Lord and forgive those who trespass against us. Matthew 18:21
  • Forgiveness does not justify a sin or remove accountability
  • When we do not forgive, we hold ourselves in bondage and give Satan access to our lives
  • Forgiveness may be a process
    • May have to pray “Lord make me willing to be willing to forgive”
  • Sometimes we can blame God for something that has caused us pain.
    • We need to ‘forgive God’ and release him from our judgement.
  • Many of us struggle to forgive ourselves. Romans 8:1
    • If Christ has forgiven us, what right do we have to continue to punish ourselves?
  • Unless we forgive we will carry anger and bitterness
  • We may need to forgive several times a day
  • See the parable of the unmerciful servant. Matthew 18:21-35
  • Forgiveness is a heart attitude – it can start as a will decision, but must transfer into our hearts
  • When we have truly forgiven someone we are no longer controlled by them; we are free!
  • True forgiveness brings healing into our lives
  • It is the key to unlocking the prison of bitterness and anger that imprisons us