1. The Open Heart Forgives

2. Why Forgiveness is Important Killer of Zeal or passion –Sin Kills Growth Growth Passion Passion –Failure to forgive prayers unanswered prayers unanswered negativity / bitterness negativity / bitterness withdrawal from work/worship withdrawal from work/worship –Physical illness induced by stress

3. Why Forgiveness is Important Mark 11:25-26 Mark 11:25-26 Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 6:14-15 Luke 6:37 Luke 6:37 …If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your father in heaven may also forgive you… But if you do not forgive men… neither will your Father forgive your trespasses Judge not and you shall not be judged…Forgive and you will be forgiven

4. The True Servant Forgives Matthew 8:21-35 Matthew 8:21-35 –Great debt = mercy –Miniscule debt =no mercy –He is condemned to prison for life –True servant forgives Because he has been forgiven Because he has been forgiven He has seen the mercy of God He has seen the mercy of God He is a sinner He is a sinner

5. Be Ready to Forgive This is not the same as forgiving This is not the same as forgiving –Luke 23:34 –Acts 7:60 –Christ’s prayer not answered until Acts 2 Father, forgive them for they know not what they do Lord do not charge them with this sin …you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death…they were cut to the heart and said unto Peter…”men and brethren what shall we do?”

6. Be Ready to Forgive Neither is it the same as forgetting Neither is it the same as forgetting The phrase “forgive and forget” as many use it, is never found in the Bible, though forgetfulness may occur as a result of forgiveness. The phrase “forgive and forget” as many use it, is never found in the Bible, though forgetfulness may occur as a result of forgiveness. This passage does not mean God is forgetful, but that he has committed to treating the sin as if He didn’t remember This passage does not mean God is forgetful, but that he has committed to treating the sin as if He didn’t remember We ought to do the same – don’t bring it up, don’t let it breach the relationship We ought to do the same – don’t bring it up, don’t let it breach the relationship I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will remember no more Jeremiah 31:34

7. Ready to Forgive Being ready is a struggle – the temptation is to feed on the anger, but whether the sin is repented of or not, we must pull the daggers from our back if we want our passion restored. Being ready is a struggle – the temptation is to feed on the anger, but whether the sin is repented of or not, we must pull the daggers from our back if we want our passion restored. Notice Christ’s words in Luke 17:3-4 Notice Christ’s words in Luke 17:3-4 If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times…returns saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him.

8. Ready to Forgive Bitterness, anguish and grief does not instantly disappear even if the sin is repented of Bitterness, anguish and grief does not instantly disappear even if the sin is repented of I may remember that sin seven times or many more times a day, but each time it must be approached the same way – “I am ready to forgive” I may remember that sin seven times or many more times a day, but each time it must be approached the same way – “I am ready to forgive” You must remember, as well, that forgetting does equate to forgiveness if the sinner does not repent. You must remember, as well, that forgetting does equate to forgiveness if the sinner does not repent.

9. Ready to Forgive Implies: Implies: –Knowledge of the sin –Love toward the sinner –Willingness to act –Putting pride aside –Fostering closeness in my relationships –Overcoming fear

10. How Do I Do It? Honestly question yourself Honestly question yourself –Have I sinned? –Against whom have I sinned? –Who has sinned against me and am I ready to forgive? –Have I initiated the process? –Do I love forgiveness? Love will cover a Multitude of Sins 1 Peter 4:8