FORGIVENESS & GRACE “…forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:12, 14, 15 (NLT)

FORGIVENESS & GRACE You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:38-44 (NLT)

FORGIVENESS & GRACE Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Three laws of logical thought FORGIVENESS & GRACE Three laws of logical thought The law of identity – each thing is the same with itself and different from another The law of non-contradiction: Nothing can both be and not be The law of excluded middle: Everything must either be or not be

The law of non-contradiction FORGIVENESS & GRACE The law of non-contradiction ~(p · ~p) Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

FORGIVENESS & GRACE Mercy & Justice   Justice – demands compliance with prescribed law and punishes those who do not comply Mercy – the provision of leniency or clemency when someone deserves to suffer the consequences of their crime or sin. When mercy is shown the demands of justice are not satisfied.

FORGIVENESS & GRACE Grace   Grace breaks the inviolable law of non-contradiction. Grace changed the nature of reality in time and space. Mercy and truth have kissed; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalm 85:10

Practical Application of Grace FORGIVENESS & GRACE Practical Application of Grace 12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:12, 18, 20 (NLT)  

FORGIVENESS & GRACE Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21  If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14, 15 (NLT)