1. What Forgiveness Looks Like3
From the heart, Matthew 18:35 (Unlimited, Lk. 17:4) 2
Our forgiveness compels us to forgive, Matt. 6:12, (Col. 3:12-13) 1
God’s forgiveness: Love, mercy and grace Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 5:8-9

2. Understanding Forgiveness1
“To send away, to release” Matt. 18:35
Ex. Send away a spouse in divorce, 1 Cor. 7:11 2
Jesus had a forgiving heart, Luke 23:34
Forgives sinners who come in faith, Mark 2:5 3
We must follow His example, Luke 6:40
Understanding Forgiveness

3. Looking at Forgiveness
Forgiveness acknowledges the hurt caused by sin, Luke 23:34
Does not dwell on the hurt, 1 Cor. 13:4, 6
God is hurt by our sins against Him, Genesis 3:11; Mark 3:5; Ephesians 4:30
Forgiveness dwells on the remedy, Romans 5:8; Luke 17:3-4; James 5:16, 19-20

4. Looking at Forgiveness
Forgiveness releases the offender of his offense, Luke 23:34
The forgiving heart is ready to forgive
Not bribed, cajoled, manipulated
It is eager to restore the damage done by sin, Matthew 18:25-27, 15
Many will not be forgiven because of not forgiving others, Matthew 18:27-30, 34-35

5. Looking at Forgiveness
Forgiveness lets go of resentment, Romans 12:19-21
It does not seek vengeance; it does good to its enemies, Exo. 23:4-5 (Matt. 5:43-46)
“Forgive it and meditate no revenge”, Prov. 19:11
cf. Joseph, Genesis 50:15-21
Unwillingness to forgive is the fruit of a bitter, resentful and hardened heart, Ephesians 4:31-32

6. Looking at Forgiveness
Forgiveness is an act of grace, Eph. 1:7
Undeserved, not earned, yet freely offered and given
Does not rejoice in another person’s sins, Proverbs 24:17-18
Does not rejoice in the pain sin brings on others, because it understands we all deserve death due to our own sins (Rom. 3:23; 6:23)
Expresses compassion, knowing its own need for mercy, Matt. 18:27; Luke 6:37-38

7. Does not know what forgiveness looks like
THE WORLD
Does not know what forgiveness looks like
Matt. 11:28-30
CHRISTIANS
We know it is...
-From the heart
-Out of mercy
-Action of release
-Redemption and restoration