Feb 12, 2023
Luke 17:1-4
Words To Live By: Forgiveness
Things We Don’t Say About Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a commitment by the offended to pardon graciously the repentant from moral liability and to be reconciled to that person, although not all consequence are necessarily eliminated.
1. Forgiveness is doctrinal, v. 3
Beliefs that are on display in forgiveness…
a) soteriology- salvation/conversion
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
-Ephesians 4:32
b) ecclesiology- doctrine of the church
c) eschatology- the end times, or the final judgment and destiny of humanity
“Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” For if you forgive others their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will you Father forgive your trespasses.”
-Matthew 6:11-15
2. Forgiveness is involved, v. 3
A biblical rebuke includes the following…
a) limited to specific, observable behavior
b) avoids the use of words like “always” and “never”
c) has as its goal restoration not condemnation
Four promises we make when we forgive…
1) “I will not dwell on this incident.”
2) “I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.”
3) “I will not talk to others about this incident.”
4) “I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.”
3. Forgivness is conditional, v. 3
“Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Biblical repentance means to change behavior as a result of a complete change of thinking and attitude.
4. Forgiveness doesn’t eliminate consequences
Mental worship…
1. How does what you believe influence how you forgive people?
2. This morning we talked about being relational versus transactional. Which best describe you when it comes to forgiveness?
3. What is the longest you’ve gone without forgiving someone?
4. When is the last time you were rebuked?
5. Would dwelling on your own sin make you a more forgiving person?