FORGIVENESS: A SIGN OF REAL LOVE

Intro.

1. Lesson has application for every person here (At some time, all will sin against others & be sinned against by others) - Rom. 3:23.

2. It is at the heart of the gospel & our salvation.

3. Familiarity w/ subject will not breed con­tempt for further study - Phil. 3:1; 2 Pet. 1:12 - We constantly need forgiveness!

WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?

A. Definition: To Send Away (to send from).

1. To completely cancel, thus showing mercy - cf. Debt - Matt. 18:27.

2. To dismiss/release; Remission of sin.

3. To cover, conceal, wipe out, put away - Rom. 4:7.

4. To pardon, no longer hold person guilty.

5. Synonyms: Justify; Reconcile, Remission of sins.

6. OT prediction: Isa. 43:25 - Blot out, Remember no more.

B.The Source Of Forgiveness: Love – Jno. 3:16.

1. Forgiveness from God necessary because sin separates/estranges /divides us from Him. {Initiative taken by God!}

a. Forgiveness by God is by grace (gift).

b. It is an act of love on God's part (Rom. 5:8).

c. Forgiving one another also act of love.

C. Forgiveness Repairs & Mends Relationships.

1. First obey gospel - Fellowship w/God restored...impediment of sin removed.

2. When we forgive one another - Marriages healed, friendships restored, brother­hood enhances.

D. Forgiveness is an Definite Sign of Love.

1. Why do we love God? – 1 Jno. 4:19, 8-10.

2. When we are godly, we also express love w/ forgiveness – 1 Jno. 4:11; Lk. 6:35-37; 1 Pet. 4:8.

II. THE LORD'S INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT FORGIVENESS.

A. It Is A Command of God - Lk. 17:3-4; Col. 3:13.

B. Our Forgiveness Is Linked To Forgiving Oth­ers - Matt. 6:14-15; 18:34-35. (Love & fear of punishment are in­centives to forgive.)

C. Like Love, Forgiveness is to Be:

1. From the heart - Matt. 18:35; Col. 3:12-13.

2. Repetitive & continuing - Matt. 18:21-22 (cf. v. 35); Lk. 17:4.

D. Forgiveness Is Conditional:

1. Repentance required - Lk. 17:3.

2. Confession required – 1 Jno. 1:9; Jas. 5:16.

3. Offended person, like God, should be eager to forgive - Lk. 15:21-24; 23:34; Matt. 5:43-44 (cf. Stephen, Acts 7:59-60).

III. HOW DO WE OBTAIN FORGIVENESS IN OUR LIVES?

A. First, If Not Christian: Reach Out & Receive The Gift - Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 2:38.

B. If A Christian: Repent & Pray - Acts 8:22-23.

C. When There are Sins Between Brethren:

1. Duty of offender - Repent.

2. Duty of offended:

a. Rebuke - Lk. 17:3.

b. Take initiative - Matt. 18:15-17.

c. When he repents, forgive – Lk. 17:4.

D. Forgiveness is Needed in the Church - Eph. 4:31-32.

1. Forgiveness changes mistrust into trust, & trust restores relationships & brings peace (w/ God & man).

2. Forgiveness builds & expands love. Some seem to doubt that forgiveness can fix things - Lk. 7:41-43.

Conclusion

1. God loves us all - Wants all to be saved.

2. God has taken the initiative - Jno. 3:16.

3. God is prepared to forgive - Mend relationship marred by sin.

4. But mending relationship takes action on both sides. Meet conditions for forgiveness (become Christian or be restored).

-Outline by Randy Blackaby, (8/23/92)