“An Unnatural Act”

(Various Scriptures–NIV)

  1. Introduction
    1. Forgiveness is an unnatural act!
    2. Forgiveness is undeserved and unjust
    3. Refusal to forgive creates a cycle of un-forgiveness.
  2. Why Forgive?
    1. We have been commanded to

      (Colossians 3:13)

      Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

      (Matthew 6:9–13)

      9“This, then, is how you should pray:
      ‘Our Father in heaven,
      hallowed be your name,
      10your kingdom come,
      your will be done
      on earth as it is in heaven.
      11Give us today our daily bread.
      12Forgive us our debts,
      as we also have forgiven our debtors.
      13And lead us not into temptation,
      but deliver us from the evil one.’”

    2. It brings peace

      (Hebrews 12:14–15)

      Warning Against Refusing God

      14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

      1. Give forgiveness, receive peace
      2. Receive forgiveness, get peace
      3. Forgiveness is libertating
    3. Refusal to forgive leads to bitterness
    4. There is a cycle of blessing

      (Luke 6:37)

      Judging Others

      “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

      1. Blessing are positional; the position is obedience.
    5. God forgives.
  3. Aspects of Forgiveness—(Luke 6:37)
    1. Do Not Judge
    2. Do Not Condemn
      1. In the essentials—unity
      2. In the non-essentials—liberty
      3. In everything—love
    3. Forgive
      1. Forgiveness is a choice not a feeling
  4. Result of Forgiveness

    (Luke 6:38)

    “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

    1. We receive it back in abundance.
  5. Conclusion
    1. The choice is ours!