This is the second of a series on Joy (see message 0812 - 0815).  In today's message Pastor Don focuses on three central points; Forgiveness of Others, Forgiveness from God, and Forgiveness for Yourself.  When we forgive we more like Jesus than at any other time.  To receive forgiveness from God we must first ask for it, then ask Him to lead us, and then to deliver us.  Finally, Pastor Don brings up how our forgiving ourselves is one of the most difficult things we face.  There is only one unpardonable sin, and all others are forgiven by Jesus.

Message Outline -

Introduction:

The need for forgiveness has existed since the beginning of time. Example: Adam and Eve, Cain and Able.

Three fold thought on forgiveness:

1. Forgiveness of others.
2. Forgiveness from God.
3. Forgiveness for yourself.

Misunderstanding is just that. You understood it one way. They understood it another way.

The forgiveness that Jesus is teaching is filled with joy.

#I Forgiveness of others. Verse 12, 14,15

1. Getting even before forgiveness is not forgiveness.
2. Kevin Tunell killed an 18 year old girl in a traffic accident. The family sued and was awarded $1.5 million dollars but settled for $936.00. One dollar for each week she was alive.
3. How long is long enough to keep a person unforgotten in your mind?
4. Huts in Papa New Guinea .
5. Matthew 5:23 To Jesus forgiveness is more important then religious acts.
6. When, we forgive we are more like Jesus than anything else we can do.

#II Forgiveness from God

1.

1. It is a conditional sentence verses 12-14-15
2. We have to ask God for forgiveness.
3. Vs.11 give us.
4. Vs.12 forgive us.
5. Vs. 13 lead us
6. Vs. 13 deliver us.
7. Each a request of God

1. Dealing with my sins is God responsibility.
2. I repent, I request, I confess to Him and He willfully forgives.
3. Lamentations 3:21-26
4. Forgiveness is as unnatural act, we want to get even first. But to God forgiveness is a natural act, it is part of His nature.
5. Forgiveness is who He is.

#III Forgiveness for ourselves.

1. Illustrations: Mall walker
2. Jesus used one phrase more than any other. "Fear not'
3. If forgiveness was easy Jesus would not have had to die on the cross.
4. Two scriptures:
5. Mark 9:23
6. Romans 8:33-39
7. The `.

Conclusion:

God grace is the desire and the power to do Gods will in your life.

Illustration:

Mary Magdalene her description is a harlot.

Luke7: 36-39

1. She knew who to praise for her forgiveness, Jesus.
2. She knew how to thank Jesus, extravagantly.

She wasn't concern what others thought of her.