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Q: Ever been stopped by a policeman and not been ticketed?
Q: How did it feel?
Q: Other examples where you should have been in trouble but got off?
It feels GOOD to escape the penalty!!!
The NEED in our marriages and in our relationships is to make others feel this way... in other words, forgive them.
Q: What are some obstacles to forgiving others?
- Desire for revenge
- Desire for satisfaction (apology)
- Reluctance to face the issue
Q: Why do WE need to forgive? Discuss this
Let’s see what the Bible has to say about this:
Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
To receive God’s forgiveness
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
To imitate the Lord
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Because it is a command
Hebrews 12:14-15
14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
To avoid bitterness
Q: What is typically required of the other person in order for us to forgive them?
An apology, evidence of repentance
Luke 17:3-4
3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.
4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
If a person repents, you MUST forgive them
Luke 17:5
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
Disciples thought it would take more faith
Luke 17:6
He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
Jesus said (in effect) use the faith you have.
We can forgive all by ourselves!! It is an issue of your heart-no one else’s
Q: How do YOU feel when you really forgive someone?
- Free, like a burden has been lifted
- Released, relieved, Healed, Forgiven!, Clear conscience, Free from bitterness
Conclusion
Healing the hurts of the past is available NOW!
We can begin the healing process NOW (all alone if need be!)
We are commanded by God to forgive from the heart
There are great benefits to relationships when we forgive
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