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Church of Christ
Sermons and Lessons for 2012 |
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Bobby Stafford |
Forgiveness 2
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Forgiveness |
July 15, 2012 |
Sunday AM Sermon |
Forgiveness – Part 2
IV.
Genuinely Repenting
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Repentance – to change one’s mind, turn around. Repenting is
choosing to change one’s behavior, a willingness to change.
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All
genuine repentance begins in the heart – on the inside. We must
tell the person that we have wronged that we intend on changing;
it’s our heart’s desire. No excuses. This needs to be done
face-to-face.
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Repentance in the Bible is said to be essential to
salvation. (Luke
13:3)
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John the
Baptist stressed the need to turn away from sinful behavior. (Luke
3:3, 7-14)
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You
cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may
be too late.
V.
Requesting Forgiveness
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We
should be sure to actually ask, “Will you forgive me?” This is
vitally important!
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Three
reasons this is so important:
1.
It indicates
that you want the relationship fully restored. You don’t want to
sweep it under the rug. You want the barrier removed. (Matthew
5:23-24)
2.
It shows
that you realize that you have done something wrong. It is an
admission of guilt. Israelites: (I
Samuel 12:19-25)
3.
It shows you
are willing to put the future of the relationship in the hands of
the offended person. The future of the relationship rests with
him. You no longer have control over it.
.
Why are so many of us afraid to ask for forgiveness?
1.
Fear of
losing control
– Many have the need to always be in control of a situation. When
you ask for forgiveness, you’re not in control.
2.
Fear of
rejection
– The other person may refuse. He may say, “No.” This makes us
vulnerable.
3.
Fear of
failure
– Some
believe admitting you were wrong is the same as saying you’re a
failure.
All of these
fears may be overcome by acknowledging that no one is perfect and
all make mistakes. Apologizing will help heal the relationship.
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When
asking for forgiveness, we need to understand that we are making
a huge request. Never demand forgiveness. Instead ask
to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a choice on the other
person’s part. He is hurt and angry. We must realize this.
It may be hard for him to forgive for several reasons.
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It
may require him to give up a sense of justice. He may not
think you deserve forgiveness. Often he feels betrayed.
Remember how Joseph’s brothers betrayed him. But also
remember how he dealt with it. (Genesis
45:4-8, 14-15)
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The
one who was offended may need to forgive consequences that
are long-lasting. Examples: abortion, STD, accident from
drunk driving
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The
offended one may have difficulty forgiving if the offense
has been repeated often. He may have to be convinced of
your
sincerity.
A Chinese proverb states: “When you bow, bow low.”
Conclusion:
Certainly
our world would be a much better place if we all learned to
apologize like we should. The Christian is instructed to forgive
others in the same manner God forgives us. (Matthew
6:14-15)
When we repent of our sins and confess them to God, He will forgive
us. (I John 1:9-10)
Apologizing to God and others must be an integral part of the
Christian’s life.
Bobby
Stafford
July 15,
2012
February 20, 2012
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