Forgiveness - Pr. Antonio Nasser - Sep, 21st, 2008

To start our conversation about forgiveness, let's quote Mahatma Gandhi: “If we practice an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, soon the whole world will be blind and toothless”. And also:
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”.
JESUS CHRIST said: “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
Let's read also Matthew 6:9-15 and find what Jesus said about forgiveness.
The Greek = aphiēmi
1) to send away
2) to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person
3) to leave, go way from one

1.God is the initiator of forgiveness (Col. 2:13,14)
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

2. God completely forgives sins. God remembers our sins no more (Heb. 10:16,17).
16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

3. For man to receive forgiveness, repentance is necessary (Acts 2:37,38).
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

4. Forgiveness is based upon the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.