Scott Palmer - OFFERING THE GIFT

December 08, 2019

The Principle: Forgiveness received from God must be forgiveness expressed to others.

1.    THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF FORGIVENESS.

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:32 (CSB)

Point: I choose forgiveness as long as necessary.

“…bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.” Colossians 3:13 (CSB)

2.    THE PERSONAL SIDE OF FORGIVENESS.

A.   Rely on the resources of God.

“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (CSB)

B.    Removes the root of bitterness in my life.

“Some men stay healthy until the day they die…others have no happiness at all; they live and die with bitter hearts.” Job 21:23-25 (TEV)

“Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.”  Hebrews 12:15 (CSB)

C.   Restores me to usefulness.

“For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.”  Matthew 6:14-15 (CSB)