what is forgiveness? n our biggest problem is in believing this. n why is forgiveness hard? n in...

What is forgiveness?What is forgiveness?What is forgiveness?What is forgiveness?

Our biggest problem is in believing this.Our biggest problem is in believing this. Why is forgiveness hard?Why is forgiveness hard? In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt

and write it off.and write it off. We are a people who do not want to be We are a people who do not want to be

cheated! It is with the utmost difficulty that cheated! It is with the utmost difficulty that we let go of a real debt! we let go of a real debt!


Before you try to justify your holy war over Before you try to justify your holy war over your hurts ask this question: "What if God your hurts ask this question: "What if God treated my debt to Him as I am treating treated my debt to Him as I am treating others?" others?" (Mt 18:23-35)(Mt 18:23-35)


Matthew 18:23-35 (NKJV)Matthew 18:23-35 (NKJV) -Therefore the -Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. be made.


26 The servant therefore fell down before him, 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27Then the master of that servant pay you all.’ 27Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.28 “But that servant went out forgave him the debt.28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took and took himhim by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ you owe!’


29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32Then his told their master all that had been done. 32Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. you begged me.


33 Should you not also have had compassion on 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”forgive his brother his trespasses.”


Notice the great emphasis of the scriptures Notice the great emphasis of the scriptures here. here. (Mt 6:14-15, 18:35)(Mt 6:14-15, 18:35)


Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) - “For if you - “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.will your Father forgive your trespasses.


Humility is a must for one to truly forgive. Humility is a must for one to truly forgive. (Col 3:12-13)(Col 3:12-13)


Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV)Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) - Therefore, as - Therefore, as thethe elect of God, holy and beloved, put on elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.must do.


A proud person will pursue the one who A proud person will pursue the one who injured him for as long as it takes!injured him for as long as it takes!



In humility we recognize who we really are. In humility we recognize who we really are. Let go!Let go!




How does one find the strength to forgive?How does one find the strength to forgive?




How does one find the strength to forgive?How does one find the strength to forgive? You learn about God’s forgiveness of your You learn about God’s forgiveness of your

own sins! own sins! (Lk 7:36-50; Mt 18:22-35)(Lk 7:36-50; Mt 18:22-35)


Luke 7:36-50 (NKJV)Luke 7:36-50 (NKJV) - Then one of the Pharisees - Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37And behold, Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that knew that JesusJesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38and stood at His feet behind 38and stood at His feet behind HimHim weeping; and she weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped themthem with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed anointed themthem with the fragrant oil. with the fragrant oil.


39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw saw this,this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman manner of woman this isthis is who is touching Him, for who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered and said she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.


42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the answered and said, “I suppose the oneone whom he whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped wiped themthem with the hair of her head. with the hair of her head.


45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, Therefore I say to you, her sins, which arewhich are many, many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, little is forgiven, the samethe same loves little.” 48 Then loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”


49 And those who sat at the table with Him began 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”“Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”


This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. This issue was settled years ago by Joseph.


This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. If bitterness had set in over the years, it If bitterness had set in over the years, it

would be very difficult to deal with it now.would be very difficult to deal with it now.


This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. If bitterness had set in over the years, it If bitterness had set in over the years, it

would be very difficult to deal with it now.would be very difficult to deal with it now. This is key to a victorious life. Put away This is key to a victorious life. Put away

your anger quickly! your anger quickly! (Eph 4:26-27)(Eph 4:26-27)


Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) - - “Be angry, “Be angry, and do not sin”and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down : do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.devil.


Look at the contrast between Joseph and his Look at the contrast between Joseph and his brothers. One had a clear conscience while brothers. One had a clear conscience while the others did not. the others did not. (Gen 50:15-21)(Gen 50:15-21)


Look at the contrast between Joseph and his Look at the contrast between Joseph and his brothers. One had a clear conscience while brothers. One had a clear conscience while the others did not. the others did not. (Gen 50:15-21)(Gen 50:15-21)

Self-deception is very strong when it comes Self-deception is very strong when it comes to forgiveness. to forgiveness. (Jas 1:26)(Jas 1:26)


James 1:26 (NKJV)James 1:26 (NKJV) 26If anyone among 26If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion heart, this one’s religion isis useless. useless.


We can say we "forgive" while at the same We can say we "forgive" while at the same time harbor bitterness in our hearts.time harbor bitterness in our hearts.


We can say we "forgive" while at the same We can say we "forgive" while at the same time harbor bitterness in our hearts.time harbor bitterness in our hearts.

Even though we say the right words, it is Even though we say the right words, it is plain to others that we have a vendetta.plain to others that we have a vendetta.


Things which men substitute for Things which men substitute for forgiveness.forgiveness.



To ignore both the wrong done and the To ignore both the wrong done and the person who did it.person who did it.



To ignore both the wrong done and the To ignore both the wrong done and the person who did it.person who did it.

If we can by love cover a fault then all is If we can by love cover a fault then all is well. well. (1 Pt 4:8)(1 Pt 4:8)


1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) - And above all things - And above all things have fervent love for one another, for have fervent love for one another, for “love “love will cover a multitude of sins.”will cover a multitude of sins.”


But if we bury a hurt and then snub and But if we bury a hurt and then snub and avoid another, we are in trouble.avoid another, we are in trouble.



To go by the "eye for an eye" approach.To go by the "eye for an eye" approach. After I get even then all is well!After I get even then all is well!




To put the person on probation.To put the person on probation.




To put the person on probation.To put the person on probation. I will forgive you but if you do this I will forgive you but if you do this

again….be extra good or else!again….be extra good or else!


We may think we have forgiven but in truth We may think we have forgiven but in truth we have not! What is forgiveness? we have not! What is forgiveness? (Heb 8:12)(Heb 8:12)


Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV)Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV) - - For I will be For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,merciful to their unrighteousness, and their and their sinssins and their lawless deeds I will and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”remember no more.”

Joseph’s brothers face the challenge to receive Joseph’s brothers face the challenge to receive forgivenessforgiveness


It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness.It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness.



It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness.It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness. Joseph knew their needs in this area and Joseph knew their needs in this area and

tried to reassure them by both gifts tried to reassure them by both gifts and words. and words. (Gen 45:21-24)(Gen 45:21-24)



It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness.It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness. Joseph knew their needs in this area and Joseph knew their needs in this area and

tried to reassure them by both gifts tried to reassure them by both gifts and words. and words. (Gen 45:21-24)(Gen 45:21-24)

Later in life they needed this reassurance Later in life they needed this reassurance again! again! (Gen 50:15-21)(Gen 50:15-21)



It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness.It is hard to trust a person with forgiveness. Joseph knew their needs in this area and tried to Joseph knew their needs in this area and tried to

reassure them by both gifts and words. reassure them by both gifts and words. (Gen 45:21-24)(Gen 45:21-24)

Later in life they needed this reassurance again! Later in life they needed this reassurance again! (Gen 50:15-21)(Gen 50:15-21)

There are many who continue to feel the guilt of There are many who continue to feel the guilt of their sin after meeting the conditions of their sin after meeting the conditions of forgiveness with God.forgiveness with God.



The example of the woman who though she The example of the woman who though she should be baptized again.should be baptized again.



The example of the woman who though she The example of the woman who though she should be baptized again.should be baptized again.

This is a matter of faith! Do we believe that This is a matter of faith! Do we believe that God will do what He said? God will do what He said? (Jer 31:34; 1 Jn 1:7-9)(Jer 31:34; 1 Jn 1:7-9)



Jeremiah 31:34 (NKJV)Jeremiah 31:34 (NKJV) 34No more shall 34No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”sin I will remember no more.”



1 John 1:7-9 (NKJV)1 John 1:7-9 (NKJV) - But if we walk in the - But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us forgive us ourour sins and to cleanse us from all sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.unrighteousness.



Here is where we need to take God's Here is where we need to take God's promises and read them over and over! promises and read them over and over!



Here is where we need to take God's Here is where we need to take God's promises and read them over and over! promises and read them over and over!

God is not like a man nor does He hold God is not like a man nor does He hold grudges like a man. grudges like a man. (Num 23:19)(Num 23:19)



Numbers 23:19 (NKJV)Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) - “God - “God isis not a not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?not make it good?



Please study more about the character of Please study more about the character of God and there find the comfort of the God and there find the comfort of the scriptures. scriptures. (Rom 15:4; 5:6-8)(Rom 15:4; 5:6-8)



Romans 15:4 (NKJV)Romans 15:4 (NKJV) 4For whatever 4For whatever things were written before were written for things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. hope.



Romans 5:6 through Romans 5:8 (NKJV) Romans 5:6 through Romans 5:8 (NKJV) 6For when we were still without strength, in 6For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8But God demonstrates even dare to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.were still sinners, Christ died for us.



You may need to also be praying for a lack You may need to also be praying for a lack of faith! Our God knows and of faith! Our God knows and understands! understands! (Mk 9:23-24)(Mk 9:23-24)



Mark 9:23 through Mark 9:24 (NKJV) Mark 9:23 through Mark 9:24 (NKJV) 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things things areare possible to him who believes.” possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”help my unbelief!”



Some common misunderstandings.Some common misunderstandings.



Some common misunderstandings.Some common misunderstandings. You can only repent sincerely of a sin once.You can only repent sincerely of a sin once.



Some common misunderstandings.Some common misunderstandings. You can only repent sincerely of a sin once.You can only repent sincerely of a sin once. If you repent you will not go out and do the If you repent you will not go out and do the

same thing again. same thing again. (Acts 8:9-10, 13, 19-20, 22-23)(Acts 8:9-10, 13, 19-20, 22-23)



Some common misunderstandings.Some common misunderstandings. You can only repent sincerely of a sin once.You can only repent sincerely of a sin once. If you repent you will not go out and do the If you repent you will not go out and do the

same thing again. same thing again. (Acts 8:9-10, 13, 19-20, 22-23)(Acts 8:9-10, 13, 19-20, 22-23)

"I have committed the unpardonable sin." "I have committed the unpardonable sin." (Mt 12:31; Heb 6:4-6; 10:26-30)(Mt 12:31; Heb 6:4-6; 10:26-30)



Matthew 12:31 (NKJV)Matthew 12:31 (NKJV) 31“Therefore I 31“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy forgiven men, but the blasphemy againstagainst the Spirit will not be forgiven men. the Spirit will not be forgiven men.



Hebrews 6:4- 6 (NKJV)Hebrews 6:4- 6 (NKJV) 4 For 4 For it isit is impossible for impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6if they God and the powers of the age to come, 6if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put God, and put HimHim to an open shame. to an open shame.



Hebrews 10:26-30 (NKJV)Hebrews 10:26-30 (NKJV) 26 For if we sin 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. three witnesses.



29 Of how much worse punishment, do you 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the says the Lord. And again, Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His “The Lord will judge His people.”people.”



If brethren will not accept me then God If brethren will not accept me then God must not as well.must not as well.




We need to draw closer to those who have We need to draw closer to those who have been forgiven.been forgiven.




We need to draw closer to those who have We need to draw closer to those who have been forgiven.been forgiven.

Imagine the guilt the one publicly marked Imagine the guilt the one publicly marked felt! felt! (1 Cor 5:1-4)(1 Cor 5:1-4)



1 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NKJV) 1It is actually 1It is actually reported reported that there isthat there is sexual immorality sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2And you that a man has his father’s wife! 2And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. taken away from among you.



3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this were present) him who has so done this deed. 4In the name of our Lord Jesus deed. 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,Lord Jesus Christ,



It was this very guilt that drove him to It was this very guilt that drove him to repentance. repentance. (2 Cor 2:5-8)(2 Cor 2:5-8)



2 Corinthians 2:5-8 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 2:5-8 (NKJV) 5 But if anyone 5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which severe. 6 This punishment which was inflictedwas inflicted by the majority by the majority isis sufficient for such a man, 7 sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you so that, on the contrary, you oughtought rather to rather to forgive and comfort forgive and comfort him,him, lest perhaps such a lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.



8Therefore I urge you to reaffirm 8Therefore I urge you to reaffirm youryour love love to him.to him.



Now comes the time to "reaffirm Now comes the time to "reaffirm your your love love to him.“to him.“



Now comes the time to "reaffirm Now comes the time to "reaffirm your your love love to him.“to him.“

Here is where Satan wins battles because of Here is where Satan wins battles because of our negligence! our negligence! (2 Cor 2:10-11)(2 Cor 2:10-11)



2 Corinthians 2:10 through 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 2:10 through 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)2:11 (NKJV) 10Now whom you forgive 10Now whom you forgive anything, I also anything, I also forgive.forgive. For if indeed I have For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11lest Satan should take advantage of us; 11lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.for we are not ignorant of his devices.



Amputees often experience some sensation of a Amputees often experience some sensation of a phantom limb. Somewhere, locked in their phantom limb. Somewhere, locked in their brains, a memory lingers of the nonexistent brains, a memory lingers of the nonexistent hand or leg. Invisible toes curl, imaginary hand or leg. Invisible toes curl, imaginary hands grasp things, a "leg" feels so sturdy a hands grasp things, a "leg" feels so sturdy a patient may try to stand on it. For a few, the patient may try to stand on it. For a few, the experience includes pain. Doctors watch experience includes pain. Doctors watch helplessly, for the part of the body screaming helplessly, for the part of the body screaming for attention does not exist. for attention does not exist.



To me, phantom limb pain provides To me, phantom limb pain provides wonderful insight into the phenomenon of wonderful insight into the phenomenon of false guilt. Christians can be obsessed by false guilt. Christians can be obsessed by the memory of some sin committed years the memory of some sin committed years ago. It never leaves them, crippling their ago. It never leaves them, crippling their ministry, their devotional life, their ministry, their devotional life, their relationships with others. They live in fear relationships with others. They live in fear that someone will discover their past. that someone will discover their past.



They work overtime trying to prove to God They work overtime trying to prove to God they're truly repentant. They erect barriers they're truly repentant. They erect barriers against the enveloping, loving grace of God. against the enveloping, loving grace of God. Unless they experience the truth in 1 John Unless they experience the truth in 1 John 3:19-20 that "God is greater than our 3:19-20 that "God is greater than our conscience," they become a pitiful as poor Mr. conscience," they become a pitiful as poor Mr. Barwick, shaking a fist in fury at the pickled Barwick, shaking a fist in fury at the pickled leg on the mantle. ----Philip Yancey, leg on the mantle. ----Philip Yancey, Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 3.Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 3.



The one who has been forgiven needs to seek The one who has been forgiven needs to seek out the company and association of out the company and association of faithful Christians.faithful Christians.

Often it is this lack of association that helped Often it is this lack of association that helped sin to have a opportunity. sin to have a opportunity. (1 Cor 15:33)(1 Cor 15:33)

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV) 33Do not be 33Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”habits.”



Many times one stops attending or runs out Many times one stops attending or runs out after services! It may be difficult to face others after services! It may be difficult to face others but this is a must to find the healing you need!but this is a must to find the healing you need!

You will find in faithful Christians an You will find in faithful Christians an understanding because they have also have understanding because they have also have been where you are! been where you are! (2 Cor 1:3-4)(2 Cor 1:3-4)

There are some Christians who will not There are some Christians who will not encourage you.encourage you.



Hopefully that will not happen to you. If it does Hopefully that will not happen to you. If it does do not let what a few do speak for the others do not let what a few do speak for the others and especially not for God! and especially not for God! (Rom 3:4)(Rom 3:4)

I have seen some Christians:I have seen some Christians: Look indifferently upon one's response.Look indifferently upon one's response. Openly say: "They will not make it!“Openly say: "They will not make it!“ Refuse to have much to do with you because of Refuse to have much to do with you because of

what you did.what you did.



Continue to bring your sin up.Continue to bring your sin up. These people are not serving God! They These people are not serving God! They

will receive from God as they have will receive from God as they have treated others! They need to repent. treated others! They need to repent. (Jas (Jas 2:13)2:13)

James 2:13 (NKJV)James 2:13 (NKJV) 13For judgment is 13For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.



Let us show mercy too and not try to read Let us show mercy too and not try to read minds and be sensitive. minds and be sensitive.

Are you willing to receive God's Are you willing to receive God's forgiveness?forgiveness?

what is forgiveness? n our biggest problem is in believing this. n why is forgiveness hard? n in...

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real forgiveness

forgiveness hard

wicked servant

fellow servants

real debt

proud person

heavenly father

holy war