Waste Management Part Two:
Forgiving Others
Which is more difficult for you? To forgive others? Or, to forgive yourself?
We need to forgive others.
The bottom line for today is: It's up to ME to forgive YOU.
Why? Because God has forgiven me.
Forgiveness is a command. It's not a suggestion.
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors… For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:12, 14-15 NKJV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV
He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:10-12 NIV
Unforgiveness is like poison to your soul.
"Forgive and forget" is not biblical. Forgiveness is.
Forgiveness and restoration are two VERY different things.
Be the bigger person.
“David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men,
“The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. 1 Samuel 24:5-7 NIV
[Saul said] “May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not kill off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.” So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home.
1 Samuel 24:19-22 NIV
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us. Ephesians 1:7-8 NLT
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' Matthew 18:21-22 NIV
Are you more likely to feel hurt or angry when someone wrongs you?
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NIV
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV
