The Best of Pastor Les - The Freeing Power of Forgiveness

The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness The Bondage Breaker #6 November 2, 2022 The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness (2 Cor 2:10-11 NIV) If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, (11) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. Unforgiveness Is A Scheme Of Satan To Outwit Us The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness We Must Keep Our Hearts For The Lord & Keep Them From the Bondage of Unforgiveness When God Has Our Hearts They Are Softened, Settled, Safeguarded & Sold-Out Then We Are Enabled To Overcome The Enemy’s Attack On Our Peace And Freedom The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness Forgiving others is essential if we are to be free Matthew 18:21–22 (NIV) — 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. In Matthew 18, The Servant Had Been Forgiven Much -- But Was Not Willing To Forgive Even A Little The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness Three Points From This Parable That We Should Not Miss: 1. • The King Is Upset About The Servant’s Unwillingness To Forgive 2. • How We Treat Others Is As Important As How We Treat God. 3. • Those Who Are Forgiven, Must Be Willing To Forgive The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness GOD FORGIVES: (Lam 3:22-23 NIV) Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (23) They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. GOD FORGIVES: (1 John 1:9 NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Why Should We Forgive? 1. We Should Forgive So That Satan Will Not Be Able To Get A Foothold In Our Lives Why Should We Forgive? 2. There Are Many Benefits Of Forgiveness People Who Do Forgive: ◦ Benefit From Better Immune Function ◦ Have Lower Blood Pressure ◦ Have Better Mental Health ◦ Feel Better Physically ◦ Have Lower Amounts Of Anger ◦ Have Fewer Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression ◦ Can Maintain More Satisfying And Long-Lasting Relationships Why Should We Forgive? 3. Because We Are Not Perfect 4. Because Christ Has Forgiven Us 5. Because To Fail To Forgive Nullifies God's Forgiveness To Us The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness If God Can Forgive The Terrible Things That We Have Done In Our Lives, Then He Has A Right To Expect Us To Be Able To Forgive Others When They've Committed Wrongs Against Us Are Others May Not Know What That Person Did To You But The Lord Does. Others May Not Know How They Treated Or Wronged You But The Lord Does. The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness John Bevere: A person who cannot forgive has forgotten the great debt for which they were forgiven. When you realize that Jesus delivered you from eternal death and torment, you will release others unconditionally. There is nothing worse than eternity in a lake of fire. There is no relief, the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. That was our destination until God forgave us through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! If you have a hard time forgiving, think of the reality of hell and the love of God that saved you from it.” Bait Of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness It Helps To Get Eternal Perspective We Should Forgive Because To Fail To Forgive Nullifies God's Forgiveness To Us As We Have Been Forgiven And Forgive Others – It Sets Us Free From The Prison Of Unforgiveness. The Freeing Power Of Forgiveness If You’re Harboring Ill Feelings Against Someone Do For Them -- What God Has Done For You Forgive Them!