What other scriptures emphasize the importance of forgiveness in relationships? Anchored in Luke 17:4 “Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:4) Forgiveness Reflects God’s Own Heart • Psalm 103:8-12 — “The LORD is compassionate and gracious… As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” • Micah 7:18-19 — “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity… You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Forgiveness Modeled and Commanded by Jesus • Matthew 6:14-15 — “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” • Matthew 18:21-22 — “‘I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!’” • Mark 11:25 — “And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it…” New-Covenant Living: Imitating Christ’s Forgiveness • Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Colossians 3:13 — “Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Keeping the Church Family Healthy • 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 — “You ought to forgive and comfort him… reaffirm your love for him.” • Galatians 6:1-2 — “Restore him with a spirit of gentleness… Carry one another’s burdens.” • James 5:16 — “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Forgiveness and Personal Freedom • Proverbs 19:11 — “A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” • Romans 12:17-21 — “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Putting It into Practice • Let God’s character set the pattern: He removes sins “as far as the east is from the west.” • Forgive quickly so prayer and worship stay unhindered (Matthew 5:23-24). • Restore the repentant; refuse to weaponize the past. • Expect repeated forgiveness—Jesus set the bar at “seventy-seven times.” • Leave justice to God while you choose mercy. • Enjoy the freedom and unity that follow when forgiveness governs every relationship. |
    |