Speaker: Doug Shreve

U.S. Army, Retired

Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15 ¹⁴ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

There are benefits to extending forgiveness to others both spiritually and physically.  Some of these benefits are

• Healing
• Reduced stress & depression
• Improved relationships
• Brings peace
• Good for mental health
• Allows for growth, the ability to move on
• Self-acceptance, ability to forgive self

This doesn’t mean you can forget or overlook what has happened to you but it does mean you are able to let go of the need to get even.   God works in way we don’t understand.  Unforgiveness can make life hell. Forgiveness will change your life.

Psalm 174:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Closing by Pastor Blake:  The core of the Gospel is that God chose to forgive and sent Jesus to earth to pay for the penalty of sin.  Jesus is the one who brings the greatest freedom.  As we receive forgiveness, we are to extend forgiveness.