Forgiveness: Act and Attitude
Forgiveness is a foundational principle to Christian living it is also one of the things that many find difficult to do. Many understand the principle of forgiveness but never truly apply its full meaning in their life. The absence of forgiveness is a dangerous thing causing; strife, division, depression, divorce, oppression and sickness. A definition of forgiveness: To grant free pardon or remission of any offense or debt; to give up all claim. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV) Faith Service Worship Vision
Forgiveness command or suggestion?
There may be times when you find it difficult to reconcile God’s truth to your own opinion or worldview, God’s truth is eternal, it does not change, our understanding of the truth does change as we allow God to work in our hearts and minds.
Jesus says it in a number of places:
These sessions are not about opinion, they are about learning truth, the truth contained in the Bible, together we are going to focus on how we apply God’s truth, black & white in a grey world. To set godly priorities, grow in Christian character and live according to God’s standards so that we are a living witness to others.
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2) “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:33-35) “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25) Paul says this: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) James says this: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:12-13) We must forgive to be forgiven and forgiveness is hard. What is real forgiveness?
The basis of our belief: Session 5
Ashingdon Elim Bible Study 11 May 2010
Some people who have trouble with forgiveness believe that forgiveness does not take the harm of sin seriously. But forgiveness does take it very seriously. Forgiveness does not excuse sin. Forgiveness calls sin, sin, and it holds the sinner accountable for their actions. The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression. (Proverbs 19:11) Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” (Proverbs 24:29) Forgiveness says, “you hurt me, what you did was wrong, BUT, I will not hold it against you, I will not try to get back at you and I will not hate you for it.” 1