I. THE MANNER OF FORGIVENESS MADE CLEAR IN SCRIPTURE A. Forgive others as Christ forgave us - Colossians 3:12-13. B. Christ forgive freely, with no strings attached - Hebrews 10:17. C. Christ forgives lovingly, and graciously restores us to fellowship - 1 John 1:7-9; Matthew 18:21-22; Romans 12:18-19.
II. THE WRATH OF REJECTION ~ Refusal to forgive and restore someone with a truly repentant heart. A. Manifests a spirit of wrath, bitterness, anger, and malice - Ephesians 4:32. B. Affects our relationships at home, work, and church - Romans 12:17-20. C. Is neither kind or courteous - 1 Peter 3:8-12. D. Affects God's forgiveness, fellowship, and blessings to us - Matthew 6:14-15. E. Leads to bitterness and bondage - Matthew 18:23-35. |