Based on Edward Allen S Notes of a Sermon by Joyce Meyer

FORGIVENESS --- PART 1

Based on Edward Allen’s notes of a sermon by Joyce Meyer

9/23/90

forgiveness, restitution, bitterness, freedom, prison

A REFLEX REACTION -- FORGIVE

There are lots of occasions to be offended.

We need to decide right away to forgive and not let offense take root.

Lots of offenses don't need confrontation.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (NIV)

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)

We forgive to keep Satan from getting advantage

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven --- if there was anything to forgive --- I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 10 (NIV)

Forgive anything...anyone

God told Joyce: "You can be pitiful or powerful -- it's your choice."

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25 (NIV)

How can I get down God's narrow path with lots of baggage?

Baggage is bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31 (NIV)

FORGIVENESS IS FREEDOM

1. UNFORGIVENESS IS PRISON

No forgiveness is like BOTH parties being in prison.

Unforgiveness puts people in prison.

But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. Matt 18:30 (NIV)

Freely forgive your brother.

"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matt 18:35 (NIV)

Give mercy to receive mercy

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 (NIV)

Receive forgiveness from God.

Give forgiveness to others.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)

CONCLUSION:

1. I WILL DEVELOP A REFLEX REACTION TO HURTS -- FORGIVE.

2. I WILL RELEASE PEOPLE FROM THE PRISON OF MY UNFORGIVENESS.

I AM A FORGIVER!

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