Forgiveness
John 20:23 "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Forgiveness means- "freedom", "send forth", "liberty" Acts 7:54-60 tells about the stoning of Stephen. Saul, later named Paul was there and was a part of it. But as Stephen was dying, he said- "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." He was forgiving those very men who were killing them, including Saul. This act of forgiveness released Saul and allowed God to save him and use him for God's glory.
We don't realize what a powerful act forgiveness is. When we forgive others, even though they may not ask for it- or- deserve it in our eyes- we are releasing them into God's hand. Unforgiveness causes bondage on both the person who was offended and the offender.
Mark 11:25, 26 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you for your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." This verse and many others like it in the New Testament commands us to forgive those who have wronged us. If we don't, God can't forgive us and it also puts the offender in bondage to where God can not work in his life.
Remember to always have a quick forgiving heart. Whether or not the offender ever apologizes to you, it is necessary to quickly forgive them. It brings freedom and liberty to us to go on with God and it will bring freedom to the offender also. We are to love our enemies and do good to those who hurt us. God forgave us when we didn't deserve us and He requires us to do the same to others.
(Taken from Pastor Keith's message- November 11, 2017 )
Forgiveness means- "freedom", "send forth", "liberty" Acts 7:54-60 tells about the stoning of Stephen. Saul, later named Paul was there and was a part of it. But as Stephen was dying, he said- "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." He was forgiving those very men who were killing them, including Saul. This act of forgiveness released Saul and allowed God to save him and use him for God's glory.
We don't realize what a powerful act forgiveness is. When we forgive others, even though they may not ask for it- or- deserve it in our eyes- we are releasing them into God's hand. Unforgiveness causes bondage on both the person who was offended and the offender.
Mark 11:25, 26 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you for your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." This verse and many others like it in the New Testament commands us to forgive those who have wronged us. If we don't, God can't forgive us and it also puts the offender in bondage to where God can not work in his life.
Remember to always have a quick forgiving heart. Whether or not the offender ever apologizes to you, it is necessary to quickly forgive them. It brings freedom and liberty to us to go on with God and it will bring freedom to the offender also. We are to love our enemies and do good to those who hurt us. God forgave us when we didn't deserve us and He requires us to do the same to others.
Matthew 5:44"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
(Taken from Pastor Keith's message- November 11, 2017 )
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