We continue the series:  Living beyond Sunday

Forgiveness. It seems like a simple word. Only 3 syllables – harmless enough, right?  

Wrong.  

Forgiveness is what sets Christ Followers apart from the REST OF THE WORLD.  Why do I say that? Keep reading.

Have you ever found yourself re-counting the past sins of your spouse or a friend when you are arguing?

Has your spouse or a friend sinned against you or hurt you?

Have you been able to forgive them?

What exactly is forgiveness?

What role does forgiveness play in our relationships?

What happens when you don’t forgive?

Most of us know the Lord’s Prayer.

Matthew 6:9-14 (NIV)  

9 This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

But wait THERE’S MORE!  

The Lord’s prayer doesn’t end with “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, amen”  it ends with the next verses:

Matt 6:14

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Wow! Wait a minute. I never heard a sermon on the Lord’s prayer that finished up with Forgiveness.  What gives?  In my opinion, it is because this is a VERY inconvenient set of verses.  

Christianity is based all on the forgiveness of our sins.

As a result of receiving that forgiveness for our sins we get a life transformed. A life that no longer is defined by anger and resentment but of forgiveness because we have been forgiven. It’s part of the deal.

Here’s what we know from scripture:

We are supposed to forgive those who sin against us seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22

Don’t hold a grudge, go and make it right. Matthew 5:21-24

What does this mean:

Forgiveness is a big deal to God

We have been forgiven – so we must forgive

Don’t count how often we have to forgive someone – God doesn’t

Things to think about:

Why is it so hard to forgive those we love?

How many times are we supposed to forgive those who sin against us?

So what does the bible say about forgiving those we love who have hurt you?

How do you know if you have an unforgiveness problem?

Forgiveness is a gift.

A gift to those who receive it and those who offer it. It is the gift we have been given.

It is the gift we need to be offering all the time.

Don’t live life allowing relationships around you to be destroyed.

Forgive as you have been forgiven. It will transform your life.

Next week. Forgiving our enemies