November 17, 2024
Forgive = remit.
14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:14-21 (NASB1995)
The Idea:
A forgiving life is built on the power of reconciliation.
Blessing instead of spite, peace over payback, and overcoming evil with the redeeming power of good.
The 5 principles of a forgiving heart
1. Bless the One Who Wrongs You
14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.“
Romans 12:14-15 (NASB1995)
The deeper layers of your heart.
1. I choose love
2. Retaliation is off-limits.
3. “I will the good”
2. Stop Believing that You Are Superior
“Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”
Romans 12:16 (NASB1995)
3. Remove Retaliation as an Option
17 “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “
Romans 12:17, 19 (NASB1995)
4. Choose Reconciliation
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. “
Romans 12:18 (NASB1995)
5. The Goal – You Overcome Evil with Good.
20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:20-21 (NASB1995)
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