Offering Grace to Others

Amazing Grace
Offering Grace to Others
Ephesians 4:32

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FORGIVENESS QUIZ

A person should not be forgiven until they deserve it. T F

Forgiving includes minimizing the offense and the pain caused. T F

Forgiveness automatically includes restoring trust and reuniting a relationship. T F

You haven't really forgiven until you've forgotten the offense. T F

When I see someone else hurt, it is my duty to forgive the offender. T F

“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13)

In the same way we have been offered grace and forgiveness by God, God desires that we offer grace and forgiveness to others.

What Forgiveness Is Not

1. It is not Earned or Deserved

2. It is not Minimizing the seriousness of the offense.

3. It is not Restoring a relationship without changes.

Restoring A Relationship Requires Forgiveness Plus:

• Repentance - A change of mind leading to a change of direction
• Restitution - Where and when possible
• Rebuilding Trust – This takes time!

4. It is not Forgetting what happened.

5. It is not My Right when I wasn't the one who was hurt.

What Is Genuine Forgiveness?

1. Remembering How Much I Have Been Forgiven

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

2. Relinquishing My Right to Get Even

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” (Romans 12:18–19)

"Love keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthians 13:5

3. Responding to Evil with Good

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27–28)

4. Repeating the Process As Long As Necessary

“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21–22)

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;” (Hebrews 12:14–15)

Making It Personal:

• What misconceptions about forgiveness have been at work in my thinking and my life?
• What part of God’s truth do I need to replace these misconceptions with?
• Who do I need to extend forgiveness to?
• Who do I need to seek reconciliation with that I have harmed by my words or behavior?
• What relationship may need to be restored through genuine repentance, restitution and/or a rebuilding of trust?
• What is my next step in obedience to God?