Today, I want to lay a foundation on the topic of forgiveness. This will be a multi-part series on forgiveness. I know this is a hard topic, a topic that a lot of people avoid, especially if you have been hurt by others. Speaking from my own experience, as painful as it can be, it can be done. And it is very healing and freeing. When you forgive, you grow in grace!
Today’s Scripture References
1. As Christians, we are commanded and expected to forgive others.
Sermon on the Mount – Teachings from Jesus
Matthew 5:43-48
Matthew 6:12-15
Mark 11:20-26
1. Satan can and will take advantage of us if we do not forgive.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
Know your enemy – Satan’s main goal is to kill, steal, and destroy. He is subtle in his attempts and uses strategies to deceive us. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He is a watchful enemy, ready and willing to destroy us at any moment. Do not be fearful but be watchful.
1. We are revealing to the world around us our identity as God’s children, displaying God’s love and forgiveness. We are an extension of God’s love and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 “ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
- As Christians, we are commanded and expected to forgive others.
- Satan can and will take advantage of us if we do not forgive.
- We are revealing to the world around us our identity as God’s children, displaying God’s love and forgiveness. We are an extension of God’s love and forgiveness.
Life Application Questions
1. Who do you need to forgive?
2. Are you willing to forgive, let it go, and move forward in your life?
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