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Forgiveness is crucial in building relationships and moving forward in faith. This guide explores biblical teachings on forgiveness, urging readers to release animosity, embrace mercy, and cultivate a forgiving attitude. Learn how forgiveness leads to freedom from past hurts and strengthens connections with God and others. Discover the transformative power of forgiveness for personal growth and spiritual well-being.
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One of the greatest challenges we face is when a brother has hurt us No Small Thing in Giving or Receiving Forgiveness Forgiveness is a product of the love of God and the basis of a relationship with God John 13:34,35 2 Peter 1:9
Many Problems In Local Church Can Be Traced To A Failure To Forgive • Brethren who have nothing to do with one another – 1 John 3:14-16 • Do you have animosity for people who have done you wrong? • Will you be “cheated” by showing mercy & longsuffering? • Great burden lifted when you no longer think this way
We Must Develop Attitude Of Forgiveness • Why did Jesus & Stephen pray for forgiveness of those in sin? Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60 • Did they receive forgiveness without any repentance? Acts 2:36-38 • Can we release our desire for personal vengeance & give it to God? Romans 12:19-21
This Is A Must For Us To Move Forward In A Life Of Faith • Philippians 3:13,14 • Without it, we will be burdened and will be enslaved to past hurts.
Are We Honest With God & Ourselves When We Say We Have Forgiven Others? • He Blots Out Our Sins – Acts 3:19; Isaiah 43:25 • God Does Not Remember Our Sins- Hebrews 8:12 • He Is Described As Casting Them Into The Sea – Micah 7:20 • Do You Believe This? • God Receives Us In Full Fellowship- Luke 15:20-24
Are We Honest With God & Ourselves When We Say We Have Forgiven Others? • Our biggest problem is in believing this • This is where the deceitful heart can do the most damage – 1 John 3:18,19; 1 Peter 1:22, 1 • The church is not a social club to cater to social needs • It is a group of people who have been crushed by their own sin & have the forgiving love of God
How Do I Know If I Have Forgiven Another? • Do we get pleasure in their hurt? • Do we intentionally avoid being in their presence? • Do we vividly remember what we have suffered? • Are we uncomfortable when they are praised? • Do we go out of the way to be helpful to that person? • Are we willing to pray for the person?
We Must Learn How To Forgive Others • Learning, Growing Process – Colossians 3:12-15 • God’s love helps us to work out our problems – James 3:17,18
How Can I Develop A Greater Love For God? • Do you remember that YOU and forgiven? • Luke 7:40-43 • Who loves more? • The one forgiven more! • How much have you been forgiven? Luke 7:47
Two Men Respond To Those Who Have Hurt Them • 1st decides he will follow “common sense” of the world. • He will take hurts personally & dwells on them • He will seek a broader personal attack on the “transgressor.” • Human standards are sought
Two Men Respond To Those Who Have Hurt Them • Fault never forgotten & quickly brought up if “needed” • 1st Man will in time experience problems with relationships – James 3:14-16 • He will live in a world of “throw-away people” • He will learn to trust no one and those that know him will learn not to trust him!
Two Men Respond To Those Who Have Hurt Them • 2nd Man decides to follow the mercy & forgiveness of Jesus • Any faults he sees in other he first remembers what Jesus did for him – 1 Timothy 1:15,16 • He wants to restore the offender’s relationship to God and the relationship to himself – 2 Corinthians 2:7,8
Two Men Respond To Those Who Have Hurt Them • He lets the past go and has confidence in the future path of his brother – 2Corinthians 2:3,4; 2 Thessalonians 3:4; Philemon 1:21 • He will find his marriage, his children, his brethren & his friends to be blessed by his being a “son of encouragement” – Acts 4:36 • His hurts become an opportunity to build a stronger faith & come closer to God – Job 42:5,6; Psalm 51:16,17