THE FRUIT OF FORGIVENESS

May 22, 2016

Please turn in Bibles: Luke 15:23: (NIV)

(Ref. Matthew 26:27-28, Romans 3:23-24, 1John 3:1)

-The Fullness of Forgiveness: understanding how great the Father’s forgiveness is toward us

-The Fruit of Forgiveness: allowing Him to empower us for the same

(Ref. Matthew 18:21-22, Genesis 4:24 NKJV)

Four Must-Know Truths from Parable of Unmerciful Servant:

(Ref. Matthew 18:23-35)

1: God has forgiven you and me a debt beyond measure

2: God wants to make the forgiven forgivers

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean instant reconciliation

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean that there’s no accountability

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean we forget

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean we immediately trust

-Forgiveness literally means to loosen the grip we’re holding on someone’s neck

-Unforgiveness is an effort to keep someone locked up, punished or out of our lives (Ref. Luke 6:36, Ephesians 4:32)

3: We cannot fully forgive in our own strength

4: Forgiveness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Ref. Gal. 5:16-17, 22-25)

App: Are you willing to allow God to empower you in this matter of forgiveness?

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the

sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the

Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are

in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want…

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?