The Blessing of Forgiveness

One of the greatest blessings a person can experience is being forgiven, and then, to be able to forgive others and know how to ask for forgiveness when that is right. But there are so many misconceptions about forgiveness. A message from Psalm 32…
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OUTLINE
I. WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?
Forgiveness is not the avoidance of conflict
Forgiveness is not a compromise of morality or justice
Forgiveness is grace working with truth
Forgiveness is “release” (to let go, cancel, remit, release, pardon)II. HOW DOES FORGIVENESS WORK? Psalm 32:1-5Being released from our debt (Ps. 32:1-2)
Giving up deceit (Ps. 32:2)
Listening to the pain of conscience (Ps. 32: 3-4)
Acknowledging our objective guilt (Ps. 32:5)III. HOW DO WE LIVE OUT FORGIVENESS?Confronting and forgiving (Luke 17:3-4)
Forgiving and forbearing (Col. 3:12-14)
Complications with forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4)
Living in God’s protection and guidance (Ps. 32:6-11)

FOR ALL MESSAGES IN THE PSALMS SERIES AT ELMBROOK CHURCH, GO HERE.

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MORE:  Finding freedom when we are innocent and when we are guilty… Overcoming Guilt and Shame, Daniel Green & Mel Lawrenz (available in paperback or on Kindle).


12 thoughts on “The Blessing of Forgiveness”

  1. Laurie Hapanovich

    True forgiveness is when you can say “ Thank you for that experience.” – Oprah Winfrey
    But in order to say this and really mean it you have to believe that “God works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) even the experiences that provoke forgiveness within our

  2. Laurie Hapanovich

    True forgiveness is when you can say “ Thank you for that experience.” – Oprah Winfrey
    But in order to say this and really mean it you have to believe that “God works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) even the experiences that provoke forgiveness within ourselves.

  3. Dr. Lawrenz, I just want to tell you that your sermons and writings have a direct and positive impact on my life. I just had an intense discussion with my parents for several hours today where mutual forgiveness was the only possible resolution. Seeing this video helped me put it all into perspective. I am very grateful for your wisdom and insight. I don’t believe the timing is a coincidence. Thank you for spreading God’s light and blessing us with His peace.

  4. Before I came to Christ I committed a sin of omission. As a non Christian I didn’t even realize there were sins of omission. When I came to Christ I just went forward and didn’t think of it. Years later I remembered and became very depressed. I went to a counselor & he quoted Phil 3:13-14 …forgetting what is behind…to win the prize for which God has called me. He didn’t feel I should go back to apologize. How do we know when we should go back to apologize for sins that were committed many years, even decades, ago? Paul committed heinous crimes, yet it sounds like he didn’t feel the need to apologize. I do, but don’t even know how to find the person.

    1. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Sally. Your question is very common. I do think that there are many problems that we deal with before God, when we don’t have the opportunity to work out with the people involved. Your desire to make things right honors God in any case.

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