Unleashing the Power of Forgiveness

June 20, 2024

Pastor Rich Walter

Forgiveness is Freedom!

"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." (Matthew 6:12, New Living Translation 2nd Ed.)

"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15, NLT2)

Our ability to receive God's forgiveness depends on our ability to forgive!

"That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart." (Matthew 18:23-35, NLT2)

Forgiveness Matters!

• Forgiveness is not the same as trust.
• Forgiveness does not eliminate consequences or justice.
• Forgiveness does not bypass difficult conversations or avoid confrontation.
• Forgiveness requires boundaries.
• Silently forgive what you can.

"Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (Colossians 3:13, NLT2)

What little thing do I tend to fixate on when I just need to forgive and forget?

Confess your forgiveness to God regularly and quickly."Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." (Matthew 6:12, NLT2)

Who is that one person I need to forgive before my head hits the pillow tonight?

"And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.' Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT2)

Forgive over and over again."No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!" (Matthew 18:22, NLT2)

When we limit our forgiveness we limit our healing...we limit our freedom!

Who is that person I need to forgive... again?

Purposely list the things you need to forgive and burn them!"[love] keeps no record of being wronged." (1 Corinthians 13:5, NLT2)

Believe that forgiveness brings long term blessing."'we.... beg you to forgive our sin.' When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people... he reassured them... speaking kindly to them." (Genesis 50:15-21, NLT2)