Pastor Jim Kerwin and his precious wife Denise discuss the great need for us to walk in forgiveness. If we fail to forgive others, we will not be forgiven and those great mountains in our lives will NOT be removed (See Mark 11:23-26). Sister Denise uses a story from Corrie Ten Boom’s life to illustrate the process in a more granular way. If you choose to forgive, then Jesus himself will give you the strength to forgive others regardless of who was right or wrong. Make the decision to do this and to walk in forgiveness, lest the poison of bitterness turn your heart against Jesus and against others. (Pastor Jim and Denise provided some outstanding notes, which are shown below for your benefit.)
Forgiveness Is Conditional
Psalm 130:1-4: There is forgiveness with You, that you may be feared. Why is this?
Conditional to Unbelievers
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
Proverbs 28:19
Conditional “IF” implied
If we confess our sins, [then] He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Even then, the confessing and forsaking of our sins must be done in within the context of a greater condition— belief in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord:
“Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
Acts 10:43
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you…”
Acts 13:38
Conditional for Believers, Too
Matthew 6:12-15
* ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
* ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Greek — ὡς (hōs) — where the word clearly means “just as, in the very same way as.”
* “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, [then] your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
* “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. [emphasis mine]
[If time, include Mark 11:24-26, about how unforgiveness ties in with faith and affects prayer.]
* So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
* bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as (καθώς, kathōs) the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
* Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
* Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 NASB
(kathōs, to the very same degree) that the Lord forgave us.
* Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
* Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
* Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as [kathōs] God in Christ also has forgiven you.
* Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
* and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 4:30-5:2 NASB
* Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit.
* What might grieve the Spirit? Bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor, slander, and malice (among believers!).
* What are we to do instead, being specially mindful that we don’t want to grieve God’s Spirit? We are to:
* Be kind to one another
