http://bible.com/events/49686379

40 Days for 40 Years 

Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-35

1. FORGIVEN BY GOD

• Sin separates us from God
• Forgiveness possible through Christ
• Just and the Justifier (Romans 3)
• Salvation (Colossians 1:14) - Once for all
• Fellowship (1 John 1:9) - Ongoing 

2. FORGIVING OTHERS

*Matthew 6:14-15 - “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Internal / Doesn’t Require the Other Person

• 1. Release 
• Define Forgiveness Correctly 
• Not weakness or condoning sin
• Not based on a feeling
• Romans 12 = Release to God
• Romans 13 = Release to Authorities
• 2. Reorient
• “I will not dwell on this incident.” (Ken Sande)
• Orientation – Disorientation – Reorientation

External / Requires the Other Person

• 3. Reconcile 
• “I will not bring up this incident again or use it against you.”
• “I will not talk to others about this incident.”
• 4. Restore
• “I will not let this incident hinder our personal relationship.” 
• **In cases of abuse, safe boundaries are essential.
• 5. Rejoice & Repeat

RESPONSE: JOIN THE FORGIVENESS CLUB

• Receive God’s Forgiveness and Salvation!
• Ask for forgiveness from others.
• Be ready to forgive. Pray!