1. Fundamentals of Forgiveness Just about everyone has at some point: -used a ratchet or adjustable wrench for a hammer (males); -or used a butter knife for a screwdriver or a spoon for a pry bar (females). >While such may work in a pinch, obviously it is not the right tool for the job. >Continued, such is at least inefficient and can be very detrimental both the “tool” and the operator. Relative to sin and forgiveness, we’ve used the good tool of Rom.3:23 for the wrong job. The verse is not there to make us feel better about our sin because, “After all, everyone else has sinned too.” The verse is there to manifest the universal need for forgiveness! Hence….

2. Fundamentals of Forgiveness First, we must understand the meaning of forgiveness and our personal need of it: >Aphesis means liberty, release, pardon; to forgive, Eph.1:7; Col.1:14; 1John 1:9. >Sin, violation of God’s law, creates a debt or penalty price that has to be paid. The set fee for sin is “death”- Rom.1:32; 6:16,23. >Since, correctly understood, Rom.3:23 tells us that all (responsible) “have sinned”, the conclusion is that all rightly deserve death because of their sin(s). Thus the need for forgiveness is universal. In fact, it is man’s paramount need! Heb.10:17ff

3. Fundamentals of Forgiveness But, have you ever thought about what motivates forgiveness? >The quick and easy answer is “love”. But is “love” the correct and best answer? >Question: Ever “loved” someone you could not forgive??? Probably. Why not, if love is indeed what motivates forgiveness? While we’re thinking about that one, let’s ask another: What motivates God’s forgiveness of us? >Again, “love” seems to be the right answer. >And it is the right answer, Rom.5:8; John 3:16. >So why doesn’t “love” allow us / cause us to forgive sometimes? Because we don’t love like God does- godly love desires the best for its object regardless of personal cost! We fail to forgive because we cling to “our hurt” rather than “their need” to be forgiven. We don’t “love” sacrificially. cf. Matt.5:43-48

4. Fundamentals of Forgiveness Now, what is the application of these things? Jesus, God’s Son, was the price paid for our sins. He died that we might live, 1John 2:1-2; 4:9-10. -His loving sacrifice provided opportunity for our forgiveness through belief and obedience, Acts 10:43,47-48; Acts 2:38 -Once a Christian, forgiveness can be regained by confession and prayer, 1John 1:5-10; Acts 8:12-13 > 18-24. Question: What will you give, or give up, in order to be able to forgive as God does? -godly love? 1John 4:7-11 -bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice? Eph.4:31-32 Col.3:12-15

5. Fundamental Conclusions of Forgiveness It’s true: we all need forgiveness. We need God to be merciful to our iniquities and to remember our sins no more. Heb.8:12 But it’s also true that we all need to be willing to forgive others “as” God has forgiven us, Matt.6:12-15. This means: >for the same reason that our godly love for them desires the best for them- which includes their forgiveness. >complete forgiveness- that we remember their iniquity against us no more!