FORGIVENESS --- PART 3
Based on Edward Allen’s notes of a sermon by Joyce Meyer
9/23/90
forgiveness, restitution, bitterness, freedom, prison
PRACTICAL STEPS TO FORGIVENESS
1. FORGIVE MEANS LET IT DROP
Don't talk about it anymore.
Don't think about it anymore
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close
friends. Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)
"Do you want to be healed?"
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he
asked him, "Do you want to get well?" John 5:6 (NIV)
He gave a self pity answer. Jesus did not cater to self pity. He said "Get up!"
2. BLESS YOUR ENEMIES, AND DO NOT CURSE
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28 (NIV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14(NIV)
bless means "speak well of"
curse means "speak evil of"
Don't respond when people try to get you to talk
3. FORGIVE YOURSELF
Jesus won't cast us out
1
4. FORGIVE GOD
He doesn't have to explain Himself.
5. DON'T EXPECT RESTORATION OF RELATIONSHIP
What if he doesn't repent?
One sided forgiveness does not mean restoration of relationship.
But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such
circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 1 Corinthians 7:15(NIV)
God's method for reconciliation:
a. Privately
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he
listens to you, you have won your brother over. Matthew18:15
b. Tell the other person for HIS BENEFIT
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by
the testimony of two or three witnesses.' Matthew 18:16 (NIV)
c. Lots of offenses don't need confrontation.
6. BE WILLING TO BE A SCAPEGOAT ON BEHALF OF THE OTHER
(see Amplified Bible)
21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and
rebellion of the Israelites-- all their sins-- and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat
away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself
all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert. Leviticus 16:21-22
(NIV)
Lamb of God was sacrificed outside the city
2
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes
away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (NIV)
38 "You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not
resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40
And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If
someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matt 5:38-41 (NIV)
7. DON'T EXPECT YOUR FEELINGS TO CHANGE
The devil will try to convince you that forgiveness is not real, because of the way you feel.
THAT IS A LIE!
Forgiveness with the will is like cleaning out a wound. It hurts but it's good for you.
Feelings are like bruises. We can't treat it.
You may have to be steadfast in spite of your feelings.
CONCLUSION:
1. I WILL DEVELOP A REFLEX REACTION TO HURTS -- FORGIVE.
2. I WILL RELEASE PEOPLE FROM THE PRISON OF MY UNFORGIVENESS.
3. NOBODY OWES ME! GOD IS MY COMPENSATION.
4. I WILL FORGIVE -- STEP BY STEP.
I AM A FORGIVER!
3