1 John 4:7-8

Ephesians 5:1-2 – Imitate/mimic/pattern ourselves after/example/become like

John 13:1-15 (v15)

-washing the feet of the disciples – represents our sins being forgiven – vs6-10

-taking a bath – this is being saved – v10

-Jesus is our example to follow concerning forgiveness – v15 – As Jesus forgives, we must forgive.

(1.) WE MUST FORGIVE EVERYTHING – Ephesians 4:30-32

-No Matter What….Forgive

-This is how Jesus forgives -He forgives everything

-You may have to set a boundary

(2.) FORGIVENESS IS A CHOICE – Matthew 18-20-22

-Jesus chose to forgive

-We must choose to forgive also in 3 ways:

  1. We won’t talk to anyone else about what happened

  2. We will “I WILL IT” to get it done

  3. We realize the harm it will do to us if we do not forgive

Matthew 6:14-15

(3.) FORGIVENESS IS IMMEDIATE – Eph 4:30-32

-Immediately/Instantly/right now

-Immediate forgiveness means to do two things:

1. FORGIVE – this is forgiving others who sinned against us and hurt us

2. CONFESS – 1 John 1:9 –  – this is when we hurt others and harm them.  We must ask them to forgive us

                    CONFESSION  is repentance –

-Confession is not just a verbal expression

-Confession is repentance

-confession is not just saying you are sorry – Matthew 27:3

(4.) – FORGIVENESS IS OBEDIENCE – 1 Peter 1:14

-Pain is a result of being hurt or hurting others

-We must react properly to stay right with the Lord

Obey and Forgive, no matter how you feel or don’t feel

-Your wrong thoughts and feelings will decrease over time after you obey, but always obey

-Even though you have some bad thoughts and feelings, you have still obeyed.

-Emotions and thoughts will line up with the Word after a period of time