The Call to Forgive

Colossians 3:12-17

INTRODUCTION: Throughout scripture we learn of wonderful benefits believers receive from the Lord that the Lord then expects believers to extend to others. We are comforted in hopes that we will comfort. We are loved in hopes that we will show that love to others. Likewise, we have been given God’s forgiveness in hopes that we will, in turn, forgive others.

I. THE DEFINITION OF FORGIVENESS

A. An Association to Financial Terms

1. Clearing the guilty (Exodus 34:7; Numbers 14:18)
2. Covered sins (Psalm 32:1; Psalm 85:2; Romans 4:7)
3. Forgiven debts (Matthew 6:12)

B. The Key to Understanding

1. Four times the Bible makes a connection between the covering of sin and forgiveness (Nehemiah 4:5; Psalm 32:1; Psalm 85:2; Romans 4:7).
2. From the recipients view, the idea of covering and therefore of forgiveness is of the removal of responsibility. From the givers view, it is the relinquishing of the power and desire to hold accountable.
3. Uniquely, a person can be forgiven while holding vengeance against the action itself (Psalm 99:8).

II. THE FOUNDATION OF FORGIVENESS

A. A Willingness to Forgive

1. As it pertains to the Lord, He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).
2. On the flip side, the Bible declares God’s readiness to forgive (Psalm 86:5).

B. Virtues Yielding Forgiveness

1. Longsuffering and mercy (Numbers 14:18-19)
2. Compassion (Psalm 78:38; Matthew 18:27)
3. Mercy (Psalm 86:5)
4. Grace (Ephesians 1:7)

III. THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS

A. The Request for Forgiveness

1. It is common practice for forgiveness to be requested (Genesis 50:17; Exodus 10:17; Exodus 32:32; Numbers 14:19; 1 Samuel 25:28).
2. The Lord promised forgiveness to those who humbled themselves and sought it (2 Chronicles 7:14).
3. Forgiveness follows acknowledgement of wrong doing (Psalm 32:5).
4. Though forgiveness should be requested, it is given in spite of being undeserved (Daniel 9:9).

B. The Forgiveness of God

1. We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
2. He has forgiven us all trespasses (Colossians 2:13).

IV. THE EXTENSION OF FORGIVENESS

A. The Call to Extend

1. Forgive, as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).
2. If any man has a quarrel against any, forgive one another, even as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

B. The Frequency of Forgiveness

1. Until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22)
2. As many times as repentance is demonstrated and forgiveness is requested (Luke 17:3-4).

C. The Purpose of Forgiveness

1. Lest perhaps one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow (2 Corinthians 2:7).
2. To protect oneself from bitterness and grudge.

CONCLUSION: Far too many homes and relationships are destroyed because of a breakdown in forgiveness. Oftentimes forgiveness is never truly sought and when it is it is often withheld giving way to bitterness, strife, envy, and other works of the flesh.