Christmas is Forgiving

CHRISTMAS IS FORGIVING

 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

Luke 1:77… to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

 

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, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

 

Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

 

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

 

 

Because of the grace given to me…

 

1.  I’ll give others the BENEFIT of the DOUBT.

 

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

 

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 NCV As for myself, I do not care if I am judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. 4 I know of no wrong I have done, but this does not make me right before the Lord. The Lord is the One who judges me. 5 So do not judge before the right time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light things that are now hidden in darkness, and will make known the secret purposes of people’s hearts. Then God will praise each one of them.

 

Proverbs 18:17 (NKJV) The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.

 

2.  I will not LABEL others.

 

Luke 6:36-37 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 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.

 

3.  I’ll FORGIVE as I have been FORGIVEN.

 

Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

 

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

 

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

“Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing.”  C. S. Lewis

 

Forgiveness Is…

·      Cancelling a debt.

·      Removing that person's control over you.

·      A gift for them and you.

·      Forsaking revenge.

·      Leaving the ultimate justice to God.

·      Both a decision and a process.

·      Genuinely wanting good for them.

 

Forgiveness is not…

·      Denying or diminishing the sin.

·      Enabling.

·      A response to an apology.

·      Covering up sin.

·      Forgetting.

·      Trust.

·      Reconciliation.