Scripture: Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves. “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him, and if he repents forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day return, saying, “I repent” you shall forgive him.

Fostering loving relationships: it is to promote the growth or development of; to encourage; to foster new ideas for the growth and development of the relationship.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. - Mahatma Gandhi

I. Why the Need to Forgive?

Forgiveness, according to the Bible, is correctly understood as God's promise not to count our sins against us.

Forgiveness, in a psychological sense, is the intentional and voluntary process by which one who may initially feel victimized, undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding a given offence, and overcomes negative emotions such as resentment and vengeance.

A. Because There Will Always Be Offences

It is impossible that no offences should come... (Luke 17:1a)

And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me. (Matthew 11:6)

What are the areas of offences?

• Betrayal
• Unfair treatment - favouritism, entitlement mentality
• Abuse - spousal, emotional, parently, cyber, employer / employee

B. So That We Are Not Trapped Or Imprisoned By These Offences

... but woe to him through whom they do come. (Luke 17:1b)

It would be better for him if a mill stone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. (Luke 17:2)

II. How Do We Forgive Each Other?

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. - Lewis B. Smedes

A. Forgive God's Way

There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love. - Brynt H. McGill

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

• i. Acknowledge your own imperfections
• ii. Acknowledge our own sin debt to God is immeasurable
• iii. Do not carry the burden of unforgiveness
• iv. Understand and receive God’s love

Therefore, I say to you, her sins which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. (Luke 7:47)

B. Choose To Forgive

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  in whom we have redemption [through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

Because of God’s forgiveness, we are redeemed. When we forgive others, we give that person the chance to be redeemed.

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.

I don't forgive people because I'm weak. I forgive them because I am strong enough to understand that people make mistakes.