The Story of Jesus Jesus the Christ: Jesus’ Forgiveness

God of Mercy and Forgiveness Exodus 34:6-7 “The Lord the Lord the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Micah 7:18- “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

Jesus’ Life of Forgiveness Luke 23:34- “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

Defining Forgiveness Forgiveness- Simply means to “let go” or the picture of a canceled debt. – Rom. 13:8- “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” Unforgiveness- A choice to not release a debt or offense or extend mercy for a wrong or offense committed. You are saying, “You owe me and I’m holding on to it, you will pay.” Payment- Someone has to pay for offense, it will either be you, another person or God.

Misunderstanding Forgiveness Forgiving is not saying that what happened was right or ok. Forgiving is not forgetting- we are called to forgive and not dwell on the offenses but we don’t forget Forgiving isn’t the same as healing and grieving Forgiving isn’t the same as Reconciling or Restoring the relationship Forgiving is not saying “It’s no big deal, it doesn’t matter.”

Devil’s schemes: Offense, Unforgiveness, Accusations, Lies and Bitterness – Jn. 10:10- “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.” – 1 Pet. 5:8- “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 2 Cor. 11:14- “No wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. – Jn. 8:44-45 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – Eph. 6:11- “take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – 2 Tim. 2:26- “That they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” – Eph. 4:27- “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Offense skandalon: a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare, a stumbling block, an offense Developing an Unoffendable Heart!!

Matt. 18: Letting Mercy Go Deeper “Forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matt. 18:35)

Forgiveness: Choice or Feeling Once or Continually

How Do I Know If I Have Unforgiveness of Bitterness? – Holy Spirit tells me – There is a sting when I think of that person – I have negative conversations with them in my head – I find myself not wanting the best for them – There’s something they’ve done I refuse to let go of – Negativity comes out of my mouth towards them – I don’t have compassion or want them to succeed – I avoid being around that person or shut down when I am with them, no hope for the relationship – I am defensive and guarded towards them – I can’t celebrate them or see past there weaknesses

Forgiving: 1.By Name 2.Be Specific 3.From Your heart 4.Give the Pain, Debt, Offense to Jesus directly