Part 4

Truth that promises to bring freedom God’s mercy brings forgiveness into every one of our lives.

“Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (Matt. 6:12 - NLT)

The miracle of mercy brings freedom into our lives in two specific ways: When we say: _____ forgive ___. When we say, _ forgive ____. GOD ME I YOU

Mercy is _____________ forgiveness & __________ kindness. UNDESERVED UNEARNED

How does God apply this to me? How do I apply it to other people? Mercy means… _________________ GOD FORGIVES ME Part 1

Do you feel forgiven?

When you feel guilty it usually draws you away from God.

Truth #1: God wants to ________ me. How does God apply this to me? How do I apply it to other people? Mercy means… GOD FORGIVES ME Truth #1: God wants to ________ me. Part 1 FORGIVE

“You are a God of forgiveness, always ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and full of love and mercy.” (Nehemiah 9:17 – TLB)

“You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy “You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” (Micah 7:18b – NIV)

Truth #2: God _______ forgives How does God apply this to me? How do I apply it to other people? Mercy means… GOD FORGIVES ME Truth #2: God _______ forgives Part 1 FREELY

“All of us have sinned yet now God declares us ‘not guilty’ of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who freely takes away our sins.” (Rom. 3:23-24 –TLB)

“Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2: 13 – NIV)

How does God apply this to me? How do I apply it to other people? Mercy means… _________________ I FORGIVE OTHERS Part 1

Part 1 What does the Bible say about these four truths? • A person should not be forgiven until he or she asks for it. • You haven’t really forgiven until you’ve forgotten the offense. • Forgiving includes minimizing the offense and the pain it caused. • Forgiveness includes restoring trust and reuniting a relationship. Part 1

Truth #1: Forgiveness is not ____________ How does God apply this to me? How do I apply it to other people? Mercy means… I FORGIVE OTHERS Truth #1: Forgiveness is not ____________ Part 1 CONDITIONAL

“Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32b - MSG)

Forgiveness is an act of the will and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

Truth #2: Forgiveness is not ____________ How does God apply this to me? How do I apply it to other people? Mercy means… I FORGIVE OTHERS Truth #2: Forgiveness is not ____________ Part 1 FORGETTING

“Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.” (2 Timothy 4:14-15 - NIV)

Don’t worry about forgetting. Just choose to forgive.

Truth #3: Forgiveness is ___________ to God How does God apply this to me? How do I apply it to other people? Mercy means… I FORGIVE OTHERS Truth #3: Forgiveness is ___________ to God Part 1 RELEASING

The simple truth is forgiveness is not something you do. It’s something that God has done. Forgiveness is not a gift that you give. It’s a gift that God has given that you just pass on to somebody else.

“Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13 – NLT)

Part 1