Why do You need to forgive?
1. Because Christ Has Forgiven You!
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
2. Because You Make Yourself Sick With Unforgiveness and Are Turned Over to Torment.
“In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:34-35
3. Because You Will Need Christ’s and Other’s Forgiveness In The Future.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15
Remember:
- Forgiveness is not optional.
- Forgiveness is not denying the pain someone caused you or forgetting what happened.
- Forgiveness is not returning to the relationship without significant changes.
In forgiveness you…
You Refuse to get seek Revenge.
“...Never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it.” Romans 12:19 (LB)
You Respond with Righteousness.
“...do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
You Rinse and Repeat as long as Required.
Peter asked, ‘"Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No.’ Jesus replied, ‘seventy times seven!’” Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:14-21
- Make and seek to stay connected.
- Be as flexible as we can be without breaking.
- Seek to give up control and let go of hurt.
- Make the right moves to solve problems.
- Have a strong foundation in Christ so you can always bounce back from any setback.
