1.  We must forgive our debtors
Matt. 6:12, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

2.  Forgiving others is an absolute necessity.
Matt. 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

3.  Jesus says we must forgive often.
Matt. 18:21, 22. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “ I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.
Luke 17:3, 4. “So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him and if he repents, forgive him, If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven     times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent, forgive him.

4.  The parable of the unmerciful servant shows how sinful it is not to forgive; God sends judgment on this sin.

5.  Put away bitterness and anger; forgive as God forgives.
Eph. 4:31, 32. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

6.  Be imitators of God.
Eph. 5:1, 2. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

7.  The father of the prodigal son forgave him and accepted him as completely as if he had not sinned. This father represents God. Thus Jesus reveals how God treats repentant sinners.  Luke 15:20-24

8.  Jesus commands us to forgive others.
Mark 11:25. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him.  So that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

9.  Love keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Cor. 13:4,5. Love…keeps no record of wrongs.

10.  Love (overlooks) a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8. Above all. Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

11.  Restore with gentleness one who has fallen into sin.
Gal. 6:1.   Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

12.  Paul tells us we must forgive and restore one who has sinned against us.  2 Cor. 2:5-11.

13.  Forgive a repentant sinner and affirm your love.
2 Cor. 2:7,8.  Now, instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

May the Lord Jesus Christ. Bless, keep, strengthen, and heal YOU today is my prayer for you.

Pastor Harold E. Sawyer Sr.