How To FORGIVE One ANOTHER

Colossians 3:13; Selected Scriptures By D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min. February 12, 2023 Responsive Reading – Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT2) – Leader: 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Congregation: 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, Leader: 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Congregation: 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Leader: 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Congregation: 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Leader: 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Everyone: 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. WORD CLOUD QUESTION: Q – WHEN YOU THINK BACK OVER HISTORY, WHO DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE HARDEST PERSON EVER TO FORGIVE? Colossians 3:12 (NLT2) – Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 1. You must LEARN how to BEAR with the FAULTS of OTHERS. Colossians 3:13 (ESV) – 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 (NLT2) – Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Bearing with – Romans 15:1 (NRSV) – We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Galatians 6:2 (ESV) – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-2 (NLT2) – Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 2. You must LEARN what it means to forgive OTHERS. Colossians 3:13 (ESV) – 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 (NLT2) – Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Forgiving – FORGIVENESS MEANS: A. YOU GIVE UP THE RIGHT TO RETALIATE Romans 12:19 (ESV) – 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.” PLAY STAR TREK VIDEO FROM THE WRATH OF KHAN HERE AT MY SIGNAL B. YOU GIVE UP THE BURDEN OF CARRYING YOUR PAST PAIN SO YOU CAN WALK UNBURDENED IN YOUR PRESENT AND FUTURE. TWO QUESTIONS ABOUT FORGIVENESS. – DOES FORGIVENESS REQUIRE ME TO RESTORE THAT PERSON TO A PLACE OF VIOLATED TRUST? – DOES FORGIVENESS REQUIRE YOU TO FORGET? Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT2) – No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is call...