Guidelines In Forgiveness Guidelines In Forgiveness Guidelines In Forgiveness

I. INSTRUCTIONS TO FORGIVENESS.   A. We Are Compelled To Forgive. (It is not optional.)     1. Zech. 7:9 (Execute judgement and show compassion.)     2. Ecc.12:13-14   B. Our Forgiveness Cannot Be Limited.     1. Mat.18:21-22,35 (7x70)     2. Eph.4:32   C. Forgiveness Is Urgent And Required For Access To The Father.     1. Mat.5:22-26 (Be reconciled and do it quickly!)     2. Eph.4:26   D. There Are Cautions & Consequences In Not Forgiving.     1. Prov.18:19 (An offended brother.)     2. Mat.6:12,14-15 (Forgive or not be forgiven.)     3. I Jn.3:15; 4:20 (Forgiveness gives no room for hate.)

II.	REASONS FOR FORGIVENESS.
	A.	We Have Been Forgiven.
		1.	I John (Forgiveness brings fellowship--with the Father and our brother.)
		2.	I Jn 1:9 (If we have been forgiven, we will know forgiveness and know how to forgive others.)
	B.	We All Will Stand Equally Before The Father In Judgement. ( Rom.2:11; Eph.6:9; Col.3:25)
		1.	Job 13:10 (God is no respector of persons. Prov. 22; Isaiah 56; Jonah 4)
		2.	Rom.14:10 (Forgiveness, not judgement, is required.)

III.	RESULTS OF FORGIVENESS.
	A.	Fellowship Is Restored.
		1.	Luke 15:22
		2.	Mk.11:25-26
	B.	Joy Is Renewed.
		1.	Luke 15:7,9-10,24 (In each of 3 parables.)
		2.	Psalm 51:7-13

IV.	TRUTHS IN FORGIVENESS.
	A.	Genesis 50.
		1.	We are compelled to forgive whom God has already forgiven. It is the Father's command?will. It is not optional.
		2.	Our forgiveness sometimes opens the door for others to seek and receive forgiveness from God. (Thus removing their guilt and making room for joy.)
	B.	II Samuel 19.
		1.	It takes two for reconciliation.
		2.	Peace must take priority.
		3.	Life goes on when reconciliation is not possible. Resolution is the only possibility. (See also Romans 12:16-18.)
	C.	Luke 15.
		1.	Reconciliation occurs when both free wills come together as one and that it is the same as the Father's. The latter is imperative.
		2.	The desired relationship is established. Note: The original is raised beyond what it previously was.
	D.	Ephesians 4:31-32.
		1.	Sins of attitude break and separate relationships.
		2.	The fruit of the Spirit overcomes this danger. (Gal.5:14-26)