SUMMER SERIES: SOUL CARE – Spiritual Shifts (Alliance Canada Devotions)
MESSAGE: From Taking Offense to Offering Forgiveness – Rev. T. Crowe
KEY VERSES: Matthew 6:12-16; 18:21-35
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I. INTRODUCTION
- What makes it most difficult to forgive those who offended you?
- What could be the greater harm for holding an unforgiving heart?
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Offense – cause of personal grievance and felt violation of one’s rights and well-being by another
Forgiveness – to release the offender of the debt owed for offense
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II. WORD OF THE LORD – circle/underline what stands out
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. – Matthew 6:12-16
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times…. – Matthew 18:22ff
III. APPLICATION
1. Reflect upon God’s love placed upon you through Jesus Christ to forgive and reconcile you with Himself. Reflect who you now are as a child of God for all eternity that will never be destroyed.
2. Invite the Holy Spirit to make know who you need to forgive. Seek the Lord’s wisdom for the steps needed.
FORGIVE AS YOU’VE BEEN FORGIVEN
GOD BLESS!