YOUTH FELLOWSHIP : JULY 27, 2014

INTRODUCTION: For the last two meet ups we discussed about the Heart of worship which is total
surrenderance to God and we also talked about the Greatest Love which our Lord Jesus Christ
showed to us. As we live a total surrendered life in Christ,we must also live a life the way Jesus did,
by loving others as Jesus did.

There are many ways to love others as Jesus did but I would like to focus about forgiveness.


Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:32
(New International Version) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as
in Christ God forgave you.

Forgiveness : is giving up resentment against someone else, along with your right to get even, no
matter what has been done to you.

Unforgiveness is the deliberate, willful refusal to give up ones resentment and right to get even,
based on the attitude that someone must pay for the wrong done.


Obstacles to Forgiveness

Lack of desire: You dont want to forgive.

Rehearsing what happened: Some people continue to dwell on the hurtful experience.

Pride: We may believe the other person should initiate reconciliation.

Fear: Some resist forgiving to avoid looking weak, being misunderstood, or feeling rejected.

Partial forgiveness: People try to pick and choose which offenses can be pardoned.

Relying on emotions: Dont make the mistake of waiting until you feel like forgiving.

Justifying the other persons actions: Some people will rationalize what happened so that they dont
have to forgive.





Scriptures
A. Our fellowship with God suffers when we refuse to release others from their sins against us
(Matt. 6:14-15).
Matthew 6:14-15
(New International Version) For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.


B. We should forgive over and over. In Matthew 18:22, Jesus tells Peter that he must forgive his
brother seventy times seven times.

C. You and I must be willing to extend mercy towards those who sin against us, because God has
forgiven each of us of so much (Matt. 18:23-35).

Important Reminders

A. As a believer, you have the responsibility to take the initiative in dealing with unforgiveness.
B. Forgiveness will not always be easy or quick. But you cant allow it to take root in your life and
turn into bitterness.
C. Forgiving is difficult because it is unselfish. It involves laying down strong feelings and rights
while releasing the other person from his or her obligation to repay you.
D. You may never forgive if you wait until you feel like it.