05/26/2022
Forgiveness, Part 1
Introduction: As a part of our Lord’s Prayer, Jesus Christ instructed His followers that forgiveness was foundational in our relationship with our heavenly Father. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6:12). Jesus said it as plainly as can be said, that you cannot have a right relationship with God and have a wrong relationship with God’s children. Forgiveness is not optional. You must forgive if you’re going to live in the favor of God. (Matt. 6:14-15)
I. What is forgiveness? Genesis 45:4
Genesis 45:4-5 – And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
1. Forgiveness is cleansing for the soul, not whitewashing.
2. In the New Testament, forgiveness is totalcleansing from sin.
3. Rub out mistakes with the power of forgiveness.
4. It is the first step toward spiritual health, physical health and mental health.
II. Freedom is in forgiveness. Psalm 130:3
Psalm 130:3 – If thou, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
If you know someone that has not made any mistakes, then you truly know a special person. The Bible says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23)
5. Imitate me as I imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) THIS IS PAUL TALKING TO CORINTH.
The believer is called to follow Christ’s example and become a Christ like person. Being like Christ first and foremost is to have a love for God and for others. This love for God should:
a. Motivate and direct us to love one another. (1 John 4:20-21)
b. Christ’s love for us was seen in His compassion (Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32),
c. His love is shown in his kindness (Matt. 8:3, 16-17)
d. His tears are shown in His weeping. (John 11:35)
e. His heart is shown by His humility and gentleness (Matt. 11:29)
f. His forgiveness when he was on the cross. (Luke 23:34) “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Forgiveness is not for the other person’s benefit. It’s for your benefit. If someone has hurt and wounded you, for your emotional health, for your spiritual well being, and for your future well being, forgive them and walk away. Be free in the name of Jesus. There is freedom in forgiveness.
III. When you don’t forgive. Proverbs 14:10,
Proverbs 14:10 – The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.
6. Not to forgive; is to sentence yourself to living in an emotional hell. Not only do you bind yourself up but you bind God’s hands from being able to help you.
7. Forgiveness is the first step toward hope, happiness, healing, and freedom. If there is unforgiveness in a past marriage, you carry baggage over into the next marriage.
8. When you allow bitterness to get into your soul you begin the deathprocess.
9. God gives a peace that surpasses all understanding.
IV. No excuse for not forgiving. Ephesians 4:32,
Ephesians 4:32 – And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
10. If you will not forgive others, God cannot forgive you.
11. Read about the unforgiving servant. (Matt. 18:21-35)
V. Why are you killing yourself? Jeremiah 15:18-19,
Jeremiah 15:18-19 – Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will You surely be to me like an
