FORGIVENESS

18 Forgiveness

Matthew 18:15–35

Forgiveness makes the Christian different from the sinner. Paul gives the Christian good advice in Ephesians 4:32. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others—Matthew 6:12. If we cannot forgive, then God cannot forgive us—Matthew 6:15.

1. THE PATTERN—vv. 15–22

2. THE PRACTICE—vv. 23–27

3. THE PROBLEM—vv. 28–30

4. THE PRINCIPLES—vv. 31–35

A forgiving spirit shows the spirit of Christ. A Christian should not hold bitterness or evil feelings in his heart. Jesus taught of forgiving our enemies—Matthew 5:44. Note the words of Paul in Colossians 3:13.