2. Forgiveness What does forgive mean? It has several definitions: 1. to stop being angry about or resenting somebody or somebody's behavior 2. to excuse somebody for a mistake, misunderstanding, wrongdoing, or inappropriate behavior 3. to cancel an obligation such as a debt

3. Forgiveness Forgiveness means: 1. the act of pardoning somebody for a mistake or wrongdoing 2. the tendency to forgive offenses readily and easily In a quick examination do you possess these? Are you able to forgive? Is forgiveness part of your character?

4. Forgiveness If we are going to understand forgiveness we might begin with the forgiveness offered by God. O Psalm 130 – the psalmist speaks of the forgiveness offered by God

5. Forgiveness The psalmist rightly points out that no one could stand without God’s forgiveness. O Lev. 4-6; Num. 14-15 O Psalm 78:34-39 – the psalmist sings of God’s forgiveness This forgiveness is only possible by God because only God could see forward to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.

6. Forgiveness So as we realize that God alone can forgive sins we learn how we might have the forgiveness of our sins. O Heb. 9:23-28 – Jesus offered Himself once for all sins O Rom. 6:3-7 – we are baptized into His death O Acts 2:38 – repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins

7. Forgiveness After baptism: O Acts 8:22 – repent and pray for forgiveness O 1 John 1:9 – He is faithful and just to forgive O Heb. 8:12 – He will remember them no more

8. Forgiveness We can see the characteristics of forgive and forgiveness, as defined by man, in God. Where do we go to learn forgiveness? We go to God.

9. Forgiveness Can we forgive? Do we have forgiveness in our hearts? As Christians we must possess these.

10. Forgiveness O Matt. 18:21-35 – Jesus teaches a basic principle of forgiveness O Luke 17:3-4 – Jesus teaches a basic principle of forgiveness O Eph. 4:32 – Paul teaches a basic principle of forgiveness As we look at each of these principles do we apply them as necessary?

11. Forgiveness The first principle is one of readiness to forgive. O Matt. 18:21-35 – forgiveness should be abundant and readily given, forgiveness must be from the heart O 2 Tim. 4:16 – Paul had forgiveness in his heart – Acts 7:60 O Gen. 50:15-21 – Joseph is an example of this principle

12. Forgiveness The second principle involves order. O Luke 17:3-4 – rebuke, if he repents forgive O Matt. 18:15-17 – go to him, if he hears you have gained O Eph. 4:26 – anger must not lead to sin – wrath and hatred O Rom. 12:19-21 – we must remember that God will avenge all things

13. Forgiveness The third principle is forgiving as we have been forgiven. O Eph. 4:32 – tender hearted and forgiving O Mark 11:25-26 – forgive for forgiveness O Col. 3:12-13 – just as we have forgiveness we must forgive O Matt. 6:12 – Jesus teaches this in our prayers O Luke 24:34 – Jesus demonstrates this

14. Forgiveness Forgiveness can be difficult. We can say “I forgive you” and still hold a grudge. Is that forgiveness? We can refuse to forgive when asked. We must seek forgiveness and be ready to forgive.