Last Sunday as part of our Easter Celebration we were reminded that one of the great miracles of Easter is that we are forgiven. God forgave us, not because we have earned it or deserve it, but because of His great mercy. This morning we examine the truth that God now asks us to live our lives in the light of His mercy. We are called to forgive those around us, even as God has forgiven us.

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Digging Deeper
 
1.  Read the following passages and answer the question:  “What does each passage teach us about forgiveness?”  Luke 7:36-50; Matthew 18:21-35; Genesis 50:15-21; Ephesians 4.32; Matthew 6:9-15.

2.  What happens if we don’t forgive? Acts 8:18-23; Hebrews 12:14-15; Ephesians 4:25-27. What are the consequences to us when we don’t forgive?

3.  Take a moment and sit before God.  Ask Him to reveal if there are any people in your life, past or present, that you need to forgive.  Will you ask God to help you forgive them, to change your heart and allow you to let go?

 
Luke 17:1-5 NIV 
"Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 2 It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." 5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!""

Colossians 3:12-13 NIV 
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Luke 6:27-36 NIV
""But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Romans 12:16-21 NIV
"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Proverbs 25:21-22 NIV
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you."