The first in a series of 5 sermons
Series Theme:
It is something you hear many declare in the middle of the most horrific trauma.. parents forgiving others for the death, sometime violent, of their child.
Others find it impossible to forgive others, even for just not sticking up for them as a friend in the company of others when the subject of ridicule and scorn.
The Bible teaches us much about forgiveness.
This series of five sermons seeks to uncover some of Scripture’s main teaching on this most important of subjects, for we are to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Luke 17:1–10 (NIV84)
1Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.
2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
3So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.
4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
7“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’?
8Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’?
9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?
10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”
Text
Colossians 3:12–15 (NIV84)
12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
