Message: “Forgiveness Why and How” from Pastor Joe

Forgiveness Why and How Lesson Objective: The purpose of this lesson is to look at what the Bible says about forgiveness and why it is important to be able to forgive. Equally importantly we must learn how to forgive. Scriptures: Matthew 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18; Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 5:7 2 Corinthians 12: 7-11 A. What is forgiveness- The act of forgiving 1 To give up resentment 2. To grant relief from payment 3 To cease to feel resentment against (an offender): PARDON B. Why is there a requirement for forgiveness 1. The Bible is very clear that if you do not forgive then you cannot receive forgiveness from God- Matthew 18: 21-35 2. It is part of the Model Prayer- Matthew 6:12 C. Examples of forgiveness in the Bible 1. Forgave sin before healing- Matthew 9:6 2. Women at the well - John 8:11 D. Forgiveness does not mean not being held accountable for actions 1. David and Bathsheba paid a tall price for his sin- 2 Samuel 12:12-23 2. Moses and Aaron were punished- Numbers 20:6-12 E. How to Forgive 1. Understand importance of mercy- Matthew 5:7 a. Mercy is defined as “The act of sparing, or the forbearance of a violent act expected.” - Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary b. Mercy is not something that is earned- Titus 3:5 2. Understand that what ever happened you should rejoice- 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 3. Real forgiveness is also forgetting and restoring. Restoration of Peter John 21:15-17 F. Why is it that some people cannot forget? God sometimes does not allow us to forget – 2 Corinthians 12: 7-11 Question for Discussion: Can there really be true love without first forgiveness

Scripture References: Matthew 6:12

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

These are the regularly scheduled Sunday lessons