Offering Forgiveness, continued...

Pastor Dennis made it clear that forgiveness is really important...I think sometimes we down-play the importance of forgiving and really hold on tight to our right to stay offended or hurt or angry or victimized or- fill in the blank. The way I see it in the Bible, forgiving others really isn't a choice, it's expected.

Colossians 3:13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.

In the Lord's prayer, Jesus has us pray-Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. (Matthew 6:12)



The definition of forgiveness Pastor Dennis gave was very helpful-

• giving up the right to get even
• giving up any expectation of the person changing

Giving up...like surrendering to God. (picture-hands up in the air)



His definition of what Forgiveness is not was helpful-

• not minimizing the seriousness of the offense
• not instant restoration of trust
• not resuming the relationship without any changes

When we say we can't forgive "such and such," don't we usually mean we don't want to. God's grace helps us do all things. It is helpful for me to remember how I have been mercifully treated by God (God is gracious to quickly provide memories for this exercise), it is then easier to become willing to forgive "such and such". And isn't that really the point....God isn't asking us to instantly feel forgivingly (I just made that word up, but i think it works here) towards "such and such" but rather that we be willing to forgive and trust God to help us.

Let us search our hearts this week for those we need to forgive, maybe even ourselves. Then--Hands up!