10 Principles of Godly Living Message 5

Forgiveness

  1. The things we remember.
    1. Something my parents did.
      1. My dad got in an argument with a neighbor.
    2. Step into the real world.
      1. People can be hurtful.
      2. Does this bring up events when you have been hurt?
  2. The battle within.
    1. Life can give you some lemons.
      1. Life often presents us with situations that test our patience.
      2. We can be pushed to our limits.
      3. Boundaries can be stepped on.
      4. Relationships become strained.
    2. It is easy to become bitter.
      1. In those moments when we are tested, we can…
      2. _______________________________________
    3. Follow a different path.
      1. As followers of Christ.
      2. We are called to live differently.
  3. Letting Go of the hurts!
    1. Notice the urgent natural on this verse.
      1. Ephesians 4:31 (NLT) — 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
      2. Get rid of it.
      3. Throw in the trash!
      4. What are you holding onto?
      5. ___________________________________
      6. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) — 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
      7. Stop this evil behavior.
    2. A barrier to God’s grace.
      1. These negative emotions can poison our hearts and hinder our growth in Christ.
      2. When we hold onto bitterness, we create barriers between ourselves and God's grace.
      3. Unresolved anger and malice not only harm our relationships but also distance us from experiencing the fullness of God's love.
    3. A call to compassion
      1. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) — 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
  4. Trust verses Forgiveness.
    1. This can change your life.
      1. Forgiveness involves letting go of feelings of resentment, anger, and the desire for revenge.
      2. Trust, on the other hand, is about having confidence in someone's reliability, integrity, and intentions.
      3. You can forgive someone for their actions, even if you don't fully trust them anymore.
      4. It's okay to set boundaries and take steps to protect yourself emotionally, even if you've forgiven someone.
      5. Trust needs to be earned, and it's reasonable to be cautious if someone has hurt you in the past.
  5. A Mirror of God's Grace
    1. The Gospel message
      1. Forgiveness is at the core of the Gospel message.
      2. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) — 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
      3. When we forgive, we mirror God's grace in our interactions.

Forgiveness is a choice to release the debt others owe us.