FORGIVENESS 7.04.2024

The process by which a person is released from the consequences of an action against another person or group and restored to a positive relationship to the offended party.

Forgiveness is dynamic and multidimensional.

In a moment of deep regret, Peter sought forgiveness from Jesus after denying Him three times. Despite his failure, Jesus restored him, showing that His forgiveness knows no bounds. Similarly, we can find hope in His ability to restore and forgive us, no matter how far we may have strayed.

Forgiveness from God releases a person from the consequences of *sin and restores a right relationship between that person and God. For this reason, when one person forgives another person, restoration and reconciliation

In the biblical story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), we see a powerful example of restoration and reconciliation. A son squanders his inheritance in reckless living, only to return to his father in repentance. Despite the son's failures, the father embraces him with open arms, illustrating the profound love and grace of God in reconciling us to Himself.

Imagine a person who, despite being wronged and falsely accused, chooses to extend forgiveness and show kindness to their accusers, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's love and mercy amidst injustice.

between the parties should likewise follow.

Forgiveness is a central aspect of *Christian ethics, connected to other Christian ethical ideals such as *love, mercy and *justice. Moreover, in Christian ethics to forgive—and take steps to be forgiven—is a moral *imperative (Mt 6:14–15).

14.“For if you forgive 1others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15.“But aif you do not forgive 1others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

a Matt 7:1-6

Matthew 7:1–6 LSB

1 “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. 2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you. 3 “And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Mark 11:25–26 LSB

25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. 26 [“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”]

Ephesians 4:31–32 LSB

31 Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and shouting and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Instead, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you.

Legacy Standard Bible (Three Sixteen Publishing, 2022), Eph 4:31–32.Colossians 3:13 (LSB)

13 bearing with one another, and graciously forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord graciously forgave you, so also should you.

14. Above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

15. And let the peace of Christ 1rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in bone body, and 3be thankful.

16. Let the word of 1Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to God.

17. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Stanley J. Grenz and Jay T. Smith, Pocket Dictionary of Ethics, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 43.