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Forgiveness

We sometimes never know how our behavior will influence others. Jesus taught (Matt. 5:13-16, 5:38-48) we are salt and light and do good to those that harm you and pray for your enemies.

I wonder how many of those present were actively listening to Jesus as he was preaching. How many were passing notes or thinking about the weekend, too busy being mad because Peter asked them to take off their hat or maybe they were just playing mind games to keep themselves entertained. You act shocked. Don’t tell me you’ve never done that when Pastor Doug or myself were preaching. Hey, Jesus preached for a long time! I wonder if Bartholomew was listening – The Bible doesn’t record anything great that he did…

“Forgiving means that we actively CHOOSE to give up our grudge despite the severity of the injustice done to us.”

But obviously Stephen listened. Stephen heard Jesus say to forgive your enemies. Stephen did that as he was stoned (Luke 23:34) and Saul was watching. I wonder how watching Stephen forgive influenced Saul – later to be known as Paul – you know the guy who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament. This same Saul later would receive the mystery that was hidden that gentiles could be saved – that Christ was in us – the hope of glory. I wonder what kind of Paul we would have gotten if little things hadn’t gone the way they did. If Stephen hadn’t openly forgiven those stoning him – if he’d just forgiven them in his heart where no one could hear him. If Barnabas had not gone and gotten Paul after he had been saved. If …

Why did this same Paul – through the Holy Spirit – tell us not to conform to the world and to renew our minds (Rom 12:1-2) – Because Christ is IN us!

Rom. 8
Law of Life vs. Law of Death (think about the law of gravity vs. law of lift – think about the difference between a paper airplane as opposed to wad of paper)

What do we do about sin in our lives?
1 John 1:6-10
Do NOT deny it. Everybody sins – this should not come as any surprise.

Our relationship with God is secure because, through Christ, we are forgiven and accepted by God. However, our sense of intimacy, fellowship, and communication with Him can be hindered by sin.

  1. What does it mean to "confess" sin? How should we confess?
    1. Agree with God that you have sinned. It helps to name the sin specifically.)
    2. Thank God that He has already forgiven you. (Tell Him," I receive your forgiveness.")
    3. Ask God if there is someone you need to talk to for help, advice, etc.? Is there someone you need to ask forgiveness? (Repentance - Proverbs 28:13)
  2. What are some ways that we deceive ourselves concerning sin?
    1. Rationalize
    2. Compare with others
    3. Ignore it (denial)

Remember the story of the master forgiving the servant of his debt and then that servant not forgiving a fellow servant of his debt.

Forgiving means that we actively CHOOSE to give up our grudge despite the severity of the injustice done to us. (Ephesians 4:32)

Healing process in forgiving others:

  1. Admit hurt, anger, and any other emotion to God.
  2. Ask for God's perspective on yourself, the other person(s), and the situation (Psalm 139:23-24).
  3. Confess to God any sin of resentment, bitterness, self-pity, etc.
  4. Forgive the person. "Because of God's forgiveness, I forgive you, (name the person)."
  5. Ask for God to heal you emotionally.
  6. Pray for the person regularly (Matthew 5:43-44).
  7. Ask God if you need to go and share with the person involved.

(Some content adapted and revised by permission from Jeanne Mayo and The Source.)