Handling The Ups And Downs Of Life
Part 5 - How Do We Handle Forgiveness?

Have you ever said I'm sorry? Sure you have. We have all erred, made mistakes, had to ask forgiveness.

Rom. 3:23 tells us…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Has anyone ever asked you to forgive him or her? Sure.

Have you ever not wanted to forgive them? Or have you refused to forgive them?

Well forgiveness is important in our lives. Without forgiveness, we are often:

Alienated
Saddened
Uncomfortable
Unhappy
Miserable

 

Forgiveness is God's great ability. He was willing to forgive us even before we asked.

Rom. 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

Let us look at what…
God's forgiveness brings a difference:

Freedom from crippling guilt
Moves us towards righteousness
Brings spiritual cleansing
(even helps physically at times) 1 Jn. 1:9

9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Rescues us with redemption - Eph 1:7

7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Sense of beautiful fellowship- Rev. 3:20

20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

How does His forgiveness happen in our lives?

So we see…
We have all sinned
He gave Christ as our substitute
God wants to forgive us

1 Pet. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

What are some of the advantages to giving forgiveness?

It is needed

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

 It is the Lord's directive

Luke 17:4 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.

It is right action

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

It is more blessed

Acts 20:35 …It is more blessed to give than to receive.

 

 

So what are steps for forgiveness?

Listen for the request of forgiveness

Gen. 42:21-24 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. 22And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. 23And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. 24And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.

Choose the choice of forgiveness 

Follow with the action of forgiveness

Quit pushing the offender away

Gen. 45:4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near.

Make the first move

Gen 45:15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

For more than other's sake (to keep the peace)

Gen. 50:15-21 15And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. 16And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

 

But, what if they do not want our forgiveness?

Forgive them anyway

Acts 7:59,60 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Let God have them

If needful, avoid them

Rom. 16:17-20 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 060902am