05.12.2021 | EVERY BELIEVER IS CALLED TO FORGIVE
EVERY BELIEVER IS CALLED TO FORGIVE
What is one of the hardest things for every believer to do?
Why is forgiveness so difficult?
a. What is forgiveness?
Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Charisomai (“from the word charis”) – to give grace, show mercy; grace, unmerited favor
Matthew 6:12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12 (NLT) – “And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”
Aphiemi – to cancel a debt, let loose
Matthew 18:27 – “Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.”
Apoluo – to set at liberty, let go free
Forgiveness is giving another person grace, canceling any debt they owe us, letting go of the offense, and setting them and ourselves free by the power of the Holy Spirit.
b. What is not forgiveness?
1. Forgiveness is not refusing to confront sin.
Matthew 18:15 – “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”
Matthew 18:16a – “But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more.”
Matthew 18:17a – “And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.”
2. Forgiveness does not mean we cannot set new boundaries.
3. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation.
Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
c. Why should I forgive?
4. Jesus teaches us to forgive.
Matthew 6:12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
5. Jesus models forgiveness.
Luke 23:34a – “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’”
6. The early church modeled forgiveness.
Acts 7:60a – “Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’”
7. Forgiveness touches the lives of the people we forgive.
Acts 7:58b – “And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
8. Unforgiveness robs us of God’s peace, His presence, and hinders the anointing upon our life.
Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by Whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
9. Unforgiveness opens the door to the oppression of the enemy in our lives.
Ephesians 4:26-27 – “’Be angry and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your anger. Nor give place to the devil.”
10. Unforgiveness hinders the work of God in our lives and the lives of those we resent.
Matthew 18:29-30 – “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.”
11. Forgiveness brings physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wholeness.
3 John 2 – “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
d. How do we forgive?
12. Read the Word of God on forgiveness.
Romans 10:17 – “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
13. Make a choice to forgive.
Ephesians 4:32b – “Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
14. Ask for God’s grace to help you forgive.
2 Corinthians 12:9a – “My grace is sufficient for you.”
15. Verbally speak the person’s name and declare “I forgive you, for __________.”
I cancel any debt you owe me in Jesus’ Name! I release you and I release the offense.
I consecrate this situation to the Lord, and I bless you in the Name of Jesus.
By God’s grace I will choose to think on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report.