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Introduction:
Let’s face it, we all want stronger and closer family relationships. The family of God should live differently from the world in our feelings and behaviors toward one another. Every family is different and is made up of individuals with different values and desires. If each family member is not making Jesus greater, the family will struggle. If our families are going to experience greatness, Jesus must be first. When we put Jesus first, we will see the impact in our families.
“He must become greater: I must become less.” —John 3:30 (NIV)
This collection of talks will focus on practical ways to strengthen the relationships in our lives so that we can be the family God intends for us to be. We will focus on the following “We Will” declarations:
April 6th/9th - Easter - We Will Make Jesus First in Our Family
April 13th/16th - We Will Love and Accept One Another
April 20th/23rd - We Will Pray for One Another
April 27th/30th - We Will Tell One Another the Truth
May 4th/7th - We Will Be Kind to One Another
May 11th/14th - Mother’s Day - We Will Be Patient With One Another
May 18th/21st - We Will Serve One Another
May 25th/28th - We Will Forgive One Another
Text: Genesis 50:15-21 (CSB, Old Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Forgiveness brings freedom.
Week 8 - WE WILL FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER
I. FORGIVENESS IS
A. Forgiveness is a
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” —John 10:10
B. Forgiveness is a personal
“He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after saying this, he fell asleep.” —Acts 7:60
“But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship — the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.” —Joshua 24:15
II. FORGIVENESS IS FOR
A. Release them immediately from offenses towards you.
“And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. 14He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.” —Colossians 2:13-14
Steps to Process Forgiveness
B.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” —Romans 12:17-19
III. FORGIVENESS BRINGS
A. Your forgiveness must be
“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” —Matthew 15:8
B. Your forgiveness never raises the
“How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” —Psalm 32:1
Don’t
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.” —Philippians 4:8
Don’t
“Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.” —Proverbs 17:9
Don’t
“Don’t criticize one another, brothers and sisters.” —James 4:11a
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.” —I Peter 2:1
CONCLUSION: What steps do you need to take to forgive others?
New Collection Kicks Off June 1st.
DEEP DIVES:
Discuss how Forgiveness can be a lifestyle.
Is there someone you need to forgive for your own benefit?
Is there someone you need to forgive for their benefit?
How can you live a life characterized by forgiveness starting this week?
