What is Biblical Forgiveness?

Discipline is a means to an end. The end is restoration and forgiveness. God was the first forgiver and through this forgiveness He restored our relationship with Him. Likewise, we are to practice forgiveness in our relationships, or better yet, conduct ourselves where will not need to ask for it. True Biblical forgiveness can be hard and painful, but it is required.

Biblical forgiveness is not simply a hollow “I'm sorry...” nor is it someone just ignoring an offense against them. Forgiveness is a process of recognizing, confessing, and repenting of sins committed against others. Forgiveness is Covenantal, and requires work from both parties to restore the relationship. The first step in this restoration is to identify the sin that has occurred so that it may be repented against.

Our Saviour in Life, Word, and Sacrifice shows us Biblical forgiveness. He instructs us to pray to be forgiven like we forgive others, He tells us the hazards of causing others to stumble. We can cause others by not lovingly pointing out their sins so that they may be restored or we ourselves can stumble by harboring resentment against others, sin being repaid with sin.

As you listen to the sermon, ask yourself the following questions;Can you ask to be forgiven as you forgive others? Do you not point out offenses from others in order to seem more Holy? Do you tell others of an offense you've received instead of going to the offender in private?