Ordinary People, Part 3: Forgive Others

    (Luke 11:4) “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.”Title of my message is:  Forgive Others“All effort-even failed effort-produces growth.”  (Jeremiah 31:34) …"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."(1 Peter 3:22-23) "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.”(Matthew 18:21) “Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”(Matthew 18:22)  “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!(Matthew 18:23-24) "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.”(Matthew 18:25) “Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.”(Matthew 18:26) "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'(Matthew 18:27) “The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.”How do I take the position of forgiving others?1. Don’t forget the debt of forgiveness you have received.(Colossians 2:13) (MSG) …“When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross.”(Romans 8:1) “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”(Matthew 18:28) "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.”(Matthew 18:28) “He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.”(Matthew 18:29) "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'(Matthew 18:30) "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.2. Keep forgiveness flowing in your life.(Mark 11:25) “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."” (Matthew 18:33-34) “Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured,”(Job 21:23-25) (NIRV) “Some people die while they are still very strong. They are completely secure. They have an easy life. They are well fed. Their bodies are healthy. Others die while their spirits are bitter. They've never enjoyed anything good.”(Matthew 6:14) “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:15) “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”(Matthew 5:7) “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”a.    Forgiveness is NOT minimizing the offence that happened to you.b.    Forgiveness is NOT trust. 3. Admit your own sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) (NLT) “Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.”4. Do your best to bring healing. (Romans 12:18) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”5. Apply God’s Grace to your life and your future.(Lamentations 3:22-23) (NLT) “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”