Freedom in Forgiveness

1. Forgiveness is a Command

1. Forgiveness is a Command Matthew 6:12 , NIV “And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sinned against us.”

1. Forgiveness is a Command Matthew 18:23-35 “The Unmerciful Servant”

2. Forgiveness is in God’s Character

2. Forgiveness is in God’s Character Matthew 5:43-45, NIV 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

2. Forgiveness is in God’s Character Matthew 5:48, NIV 48 Be perfect (righteous), therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

2. Forgiveness is in God’s Character Proverbs 21:21, NIV “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”

3. Forgiveness Has a Divine Condition

3. Forgiveness Has a Divine Condition “If… then” statements: Matthew 5:23-24 - our worship is acceptable

3. Forgiveness Has a Divine Condition “If… then” statements: Matthew 5:23-24 - our worship is acceptable Matthew 6:14-15 - our sins are forgiven

3. Forgiveness Has a Divine Condition “If… then” statements: Matthew 5:23-24 - our worship is acceptable Matthew 6:14-15 - our sins are forgiven Mark 11:24-26 - our prayers are heard and answered

4. Forgiveness is a Mark of Maturity

“Hurting people, hurt others; Transformed people, transform others.”

4. Forgiveness is a Mark of Maturity Proverbs 19:11, NIV “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

4. Forgiveness is a Mark of Maturity Romans 12:17-20, NIV 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.”

5. Forgiveness is a Test

5. Forgiveness is a Test 2 Corinthians 2:7-9, NIV 9”Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.”

5. Forgiveness is a Test Proverbs 25:21-22, NIV If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

6. Forgiveness is a Choice

by Corrie Ten Boom

6. Forgiveness is a Choice 2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV “We walk by faith and not by sight.”

Healing is a choice: Ten decisions that will transform your life and ten lies that can prevent you from making them by Stephen Arterburn

7. Forgiveness is Power against the Enemy

7. Forgiveness is Power against the Enemy Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

7. Forgiveness is Power against the Enemy Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 “…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

7. Forgiveness is Power against the Enemy

7. Forgiveness is Power against the Enemy