So as those who have been chosen of

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ” (Col 3: 12– 14).

Which Is It? Offense Repentance Forgiveness Conditional Offense Forgiveness Repentance Unconditional

Unconditional or Conditional? • Unconditional? Mk. 11: 25; Lk. 7: 36 -50 • Conditional? Lk. 17: 3 -4; 1 Jn. 1: 9 • An “either, or” answer will only cause Christians to find passages supporting “their” belief. • The answer lies in the overall intent of these passages: reconciliation.

The Power of Forgiveness • It heals relationships. Matt. 18: 15 -35 • It heals the person(s) doing the forgiving. – Anger, Hatred, Bitterness, Spite, Vengeance – Replaced with peace and comfort and restored relationship(s)

The Spirit of Forgiveness • Jesus showed it. Lk. 23: 34 • So did those of faith: – Joseph. Gen. 50: 15 -21 – Stephen. Acts 7: 60 • This spirit is one who seeks peace, reconciliation, and (where possible) fellowship with those we have been offended by.

2006 – Quote from family of milkman who killed 5 Amish girls, then himself “Our family wants each of you to know that we are overwhelmed by the forgiveness, grace, and mercy that you’ve extended to us. Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. The prayers, flowers, cards, and gifts you’ve given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe. Your com-passion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you. ”

The Gospel and Forgiveness • He wants us to acknowledge and take ownership of our transgressions against Him. • He wants us to see how He loved us while we were His enemies – and provided a way for reconciliation. Eph. 2: 1 -7 • He wants those who have received His forgiveness to show forgiveness. Matt. 6: 12 -14

Forgive, as We’ve Been Forgiven • We should be ever so grateful for the grace of God: providing reconciliation to us while we were dead in our trespasses. • May our lives look like our Savior’s: full of compassion, forgiving one another. Col. 3: 13