This is Part 2 of “Forgive”
Who do we forgive?
We forgive anyone who has done wrong to us. Acts 7:60
What does forgiveness feel like?
When we give our lives to Christ, we are aware that an exchange has taken place. Jesus has taken on all our sin and exchanged it for all His righteousness. What a relief! Even more than relief, it is a song, a song of righteousness and praise. That is what forgiveness feels like.
Psalm 103
Where do we forgive?
“I’m just like my mom/dad/aunt/uncle.” We say it when we want to share with someone that part of our character which we recognize as coming from another. In that same way, we forgive from that place that seeks to reflect the forgiveness of God. We forgive from our hearts.
Matthew 18:33, 35
When do we forgive?
We forgive others as often as is necessary. I have a few people in my life that I feel like I’ve forgiven them as much as Jesus says. But I don’t keep a running tab, so I don’t know for sure. I just keep loving and forgiving them.
Matthew 18:21-22
Luke 17:3-4
Why do we forgive?
First, it is a commandment, and we know God’s commandments are for our good. Second, we want the blessing that is a promise for following God’s laws, including the law of forgiveness. Third, do we really want to be under His judgement?
Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 3:8-12
Psalm 19:7-11
Ezekiel 18:21, 22
Isaiah 45:25-26
Matthew 6:14, 15
How do we forgive?
Follow God’s example.
We think of the person who needs forgiveness in terms of our godly nature, and with the reality that the person belongs to God, whether we agree or not. His crucifixion gives us the ultimate example.
Luke 23:34
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Trust God to have the final say.
We want to take revenge on those who have hurt us. The problem is that it’s against God’s law. We can’t ever be perfect, but we do want our hearts pure, and that involves turning over every hurt to God Almighty to let Him deal with it in His time, trusting that we don’t have to be there when it happens.
Romans 12:19
Obadiah 15
Romans 12:17-21
Hebrews 10:31
Let the Holy Spirit lead you in your forgiving.
God is everywhere. He can do anything, at any time. Remember the power of the God we serve, even in our sorrow, even when we are wronged. We let the Holy Spirit remind us, teach us, and guide us in our behavior, as a testimony to Him.
John 15:5
John 16:13-15
Philippians 4:13
Colossians 3:12-17
Colossians 4:2-6
Revelation 12:11
Romans 16:20