PART 2. UNDERSTANDING FORGIVENESS

1. Forgiveness Measured

Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

Luke 17:3-6 (NIV)

2. Forgiveness Expected

Matthew 18:28-35 (NIV)

A. Account Settlement

B. Bad Debt

C. Cancelled

D. Discharged

E. Expected

3. Forgiveness Defined

Forgiveness is made up of several components:

A. We are aware the offense was unfair

B. We have the right to respond with anger

C. We give up the right to revenge and retaliation that may cause injury to the offender because God has done that for us

D. We replace the feelings of resentment with compassion, benevolence and love, the way God has done for us through the death of His Son, Jesus

Forgiveness is NOT:

i) Condoning the offender's actions

ii) Excusing the offender's actions

iii) Justifying the offender's actions

iv) Calming down

Forgiveness vs Reconciliation

Forgiveness is NOT Reconciliation

i) Reconciliation is the act of two people coming together following separation, both asking and offering forgiveness.

ii) Forgiving is the moral action of one person that starts as a private act, an unseen decision within the human heart.

4. Forgiveness Paid For

A. The Condemned

B. The Cross

C. The Cost

D. The Completion

E. The Choice