Forgiving Others

FORGIVING OTHERS

(Matthew 18:21-22) Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (KJV)

(Luke 17:3-4) Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (KJV)

(Mt 18:35) So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

(Ephesians 4:32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)

I. IT IS COMMANDED.

A. THE CAUSE I WILL HAVE.

“He is my brother.”

B. THE CONDEMNATION I MAY FACE.

Mt 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mt 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

II. IT IS CONDITIONAL.

A. THE RIGHT TO REBUKE IS STATED.

Mt 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

1. Show him his fault.

2. State your feelings.

a. Be completely honest.

b. Let it come from your heart

3. Stand ready to forgive.

B. THE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPENT IS STRESSED.

1. He should take responsibility for any wrongdoing.

2. He should repent of his wrongdoing.

III. IT MUST BE CONTINUAL.

A. FORGIVENESS IS NOT GOVERNED BY COMPUTERS.

1. Are you trying to keep record?

2. Are you hoping to get revenge?

B. FORGIVENESS IS GOVERNED BY COMPASSION.

1. There should be no restriction.

2. There should be no reservation.