““To err is human, to forgive, Divine”To err is human, to forgive, Divine”

• Most like men when we offend Luke 17:1-2

• Most like God when we forgive II Pet. 3:9

• Unfortunately, We are most like men• Forgiveness is difficult (hurt, anger, retaliation)

• Often won’t confront (admit hurt, fear response)

• To rebuke a sinner (usually harshly) leads to another rebuke (defense mechanism) Jms 5:15-16

As We Withhold Our Forgiveness As We Withhold Our Forgiveness Our Hatred GrowsOur Hatred Grows

• Peace is denied the mournful sinner II Cor. 2:6-9

• Peace is denied the offended Gen. 50:17-20

• We feel justice requires us to not forgive

• God does not forgive without repentance, but then God never sinned

• Matt. 5:25-26 continued friction between us leads to more devastating consequences

Some Fail to Appreciate Some Fail to Appreciate God’s ForgivenessGod’s Forgiveness

• The Sluggard in Spiritual matters Prov. 26:13-16

• He makes excuses, denies responsibility

• King Saul (I Sam. 15:22-23) purpose of sacrifice– Acknowledge sin and bothered by guilt– Recognize pardon is a gift not deserved– Sacrifice as an appeal for gift Rom. 10:13

• He ignores God’s justice, feels entitled to mercy

Some Fail to Appreciate Some Fail to Appreciate God’s ForgivenessGod’s Forgiveness

• Perfectionist (not like Jesus, or Pharisee) Lk.18:11-12

• He requires too much of himself, never satisfied

• He sees only God’s justice and does not feel deserving of God’s mercy until he does better

• He fails to appreciate that God’s forgiveness is not given because we are so good, but because He is.

Some Fail to Appreciate Some Fail to Appreciate God’s ForgivenessGod’s Forgiveness

Proper Balance Toward GodProper Balance Toward God• Abraham Rom. 4:20-22, James 2:21-24

• David Psalm 51:1-6

• Virtuous Woman Prov. 31:18, 21, 23, 26, 28-31

• Paul I Tim. 1:12-16, I Cor. 15:9-10

• To get God’s forgiveness is most important

• To get and give others’ forgiveness is most difficult

• To get your own forgiveness is most complicated