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Mar 3, 2019

 

Colossians 3:12-13; Ephesians 4:32-5:2

 

CHOOSING TO FORGIVE …

 

When I choose to forgive, I’m choosing to not hold a person’s offense against them.

 

It’s not keeping a ledger of offenses.

 

Those who have offended you can never pay back what you think they owe you.

 

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians 4:31

 

When I hold on to unforgiveness, I am being outwitted by Satan.

 

“Anyone whom you forgive, I forgive also. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be out witted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

 

Unforgiveness in your heart destroys you, not the one who has wounded you.

 

“ … the problem is that being a ‘debt collector’ does more than keep our offender in debtors’ prison; it puts us in prison.” Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Choosing Forgiveness

 

Unforgiveness is sin; sin is toxic; what is toxic will destroy you.

 

THE GRACE OF FORGIVENESS …

 

To forgive one another is to extend grace that you have freely received from God.

 

“ … as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13

 

Having a correct view of our sinfulness and need of the grace of God’s forgiveness is always the necessary first step in forgiving those who have offended and wounded us.

 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace …” Ephesians 1:7

 

To forgive one another is to imitate the very person and character of God.

 

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

 

HOW DO I FORGIVE … ?

 

In your struggle to forgive, trust that God is more than enough.

 

“The key to this is how important and how satisfying to us is the fact that God knows we have been hurt, that God understands, and that God attends to us. God feels with us. He is a merciful High Priest. Is that enough?” John Piper

 

Don’t let minor offenses become permanent obstacles.

 

“ … bearing with one another …” Colossians 3:13a

 

Refuse to allow the sin of unforgiveness to go unchecked. (Psalm 139:23-34)

 

Ask God to help you forgive.