0337 Forgiveness

THE VIRUS

Unforgiveness is virus (small but dangerous) Firefighter – is trained to put out fire, it’s his job to stop your fire. Water stops fire Bitterness puts out fire from relationships

Matthew 6:14-15

Forgive because God needs it God gives you forgiveness to enjoy and share Forgiveness is gift that must be received as well as shared “freely you’ve received freely give” God forgave everyone, every time, for everything; we need to forgive once, one person, in this life To answer our prayers God needs forgiveness Philippine pastor: don’t just ask for forgiveness – receive it Chain reaction: the purpose wasn’t just to be bless the guy behind but teach the guy to bless another Forgiveness from God – freedom, forgiveness to others – joy

Forgive because they needed Why should God forgive you? Because we need it, it will set us free, it will change us Scott murdered Mike (Rev. Walter Everett son). Apology. Letter to jail. Salvation. Pled for early release and did his wedding It’s handing a gift to someone who deserves penalty I have power to give forgiveness. It takes power to do forgiveness

Forgive because you need it Say some gee and haw – the animal hurt me 5 years ago, I haven’t spoken to it since He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass Forgiveness doesn’t change the past but it enhances your future To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you Unforgiveness is the poison you drink every day hoping that someone else will die Story of forgiveness: Jesus forgave that’s why He didn’t stay on the cross. Unforgiveness keeps the pain Enemy has put you in the pain, but Unforgiveness will keep you there

Forgiveness is a process Forgiveness is a decision