--Friendships have been severed; families torn apart, because of a lack of forgiveness --We need to understand what God’s word teaches on this subject (I) How do we forgive? (II) WHY should we forgive? (III) When should we forgive?
A. As God Does (Ephesians 4:17-32) (Colossians 3:1-13)
1. Ready to forgive (Ready = diligent, hasty) (Psalms 86:5) “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
2. Remember Sins No More (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
A. God has forgiven Us [see above (Ephesians 4:29-32; Colossians 3:12-13)
1. (Matthew 18:23-35)
B. God won’t forgive Us IF we refuse to forgive
1. (Matthew 6:14-15) “For if ye forgive me their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will you Father forgive your trespasses.” (c.f. Mark 11:25-26)
a. If we will forgive others → God will forgive us
b. If we will NOT forgive → God will NOT forgive us ____________________________________________________________________________
A. When the person Repents
1. (Matthew 18:26-27)
a. Master forgave Servant
2. (Luke 17:3-4) (Matthew 18:15-22)
a. Rebuke the erring, if they repent → Forgive them ---Do NOT hold a GRUDGE!!! EXAMPLE → (Luke 23:34) “Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not What they do.” Jesus prayed to the Father for his tormentors forgiveness, but God did NOT forgive them at that time. If he DID forgive them, why did Peter and the other Apostles tell them to repent and be baptized to RECEIVED forgiveness in Acts 2?