Luke 3:3
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 24:46-48
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
forgiveness: a process that is intentional and voluntary that requires a change in feelings and attitudes about an offense committed toward us by an individual.
Truth Therapy, Peter Bellini – Forgiveness is the greatest need of humanity.
The Cycle of Unforgiveness: Offense > Unforgiveness > Vengefulness > Further Offense
2 Approaches to Forgiveness
1 – We must understand and accept the fact that God forgives us for our sins. We need to repent of our sins and ask God to forgive us and be open to the Holy Spirit.
2 – We must understand and accept that God wants us to do the same when it comes to forgiving others.
Acts 13:38
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
“Our Father, which art in heaven, give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Trespass: committing an offense against another individual, or in other words committing a sin against another individual.
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them for they
do not know what they are doing.”
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
When we live a life of unforgiveness we are separating ourselves from God.
Unforgiveness takes away our time, takes apart our souls, breaks our hearts, and threatens our lives.
God wants us to stand with him and the acts of forgiveness bring us closer to his love.
Colossians 1:13-14
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he Loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 10:43
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.