Forgiveness Is A Mandate

1. Forgiveness is an order given by the God of all authorities that, as His children, we must obey.

2. Although seemingly difficult to do, we must know that God has already given us the grace to forgive.

3. Forgiveness is an act of love for and obedience to the Lord.

4. We are to be kind and compassionate to one another and forgive one another just like Christ has forgiven us.

5. We are to forgive so that our Father in heaven can forgive us.

6. Forgiveness is not contingent upon the actions of the offender.

7. Forgiveness is to free the offended first, then the offender.

► Mandate = Order, Dictate, Command, Decree.

► Who gave the mandate? The God of all authorities.

There are consequences when we disobey a mandate that is given by anyone in authority.

The mandate to forgive was given by the One in highest authority.

God has already given us the grace to forgive.

►2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) — But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

► 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

► James 4:7 (ESV) — Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Forgiveness is an act of love for and obedience to the Lord.

John 14:15 (KJV) — If ye love me keep my commandments

John 14:21 (NET) — The person who has my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.”

1 John 5:3 (NET) — For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

► Forgiveness is a commandment.

► Obedience to the command conveys love for the Commander (God).

Forgive so that our Father in heaven can forgive us.

► Mathew 6:14-15 — 14 For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.

► Mark 11:26 — But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Forgiveness is not contingent upon the actions of the offender.

► Romans 5:8 — But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

► John 3:16 — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Forgiveness is to free the offended first, then the offender.