## The Goal of Forgiveness

## II Cor. 5:17-21

Tonight I want to move into a new part of our study on forgiveness and talk about the goal of forgiveness. The point that we want to make is that forgiveness is not an end in itself, but its an important step in the process reconciliation.

I. The Goal of Forgiveness

A. Let's consider some passages of Scripture and see what they all have in common?

(PROV 18:19) "A BROTHER OFFENDED IS HARDER TO BE WON THAN A STRONG CITY: AND THEIR CONTENTIONS ARE LIKE THE BARS OF A CASTLE."

(MAT 18:15) "MOREOVER IF THY BROTHER SHALL TRESPASS AGAINST THEE, GO AND TELL HIM HIS FAULT BETWEEN THEE AND HIM ALONE: IF HE SHALL HEAR THEE, THOU HAST GAINED THY BROTHER."

(MAT 5:24) "LEAVE THERE THY GIFT BEFORE THE ALTAR, AND GO THY WAY; FIRST BE RECONCILED TO THY BROTHER, AND THEN COME AND OFFER THY GIFT."

1. All of these passages have to do with the goal of forgiveness.

2. Reconciliation: God wants a stronger relationship than when the process began.

3. When this goal is not remembered, the relationship may drift apart.

a. "We can never be close again"

b. Certainly our relationship will be different, but it should be stronger because of the forgiveness, not weaker!

c. Forgiveness is not the end, it is the beginning of rebuilding and strengthening a relationship.

d. "OK, I forgive you, now get out of my sight!"

B. Look again at our great example.

1. When God forgives us, it is not the end of our relationship.

2. God always counters sin with more grace.

(ROM 5:20) "MOREOVER THE LAW ENTERED, THAT THE OFFENCE MIGHT ABOUND. BUT WHERE SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE DID MUCH MORE ABOUND:"

3. God didn't just forgive us and leave us.

(2 COR 5:18) "AND ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD, WHO HATH RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF BY JESUS CHRIST, AND HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION;"

C. Remember, we are to be growing in this area of forgiveness.

1. Note this situation: I sinned against someone, and I know it was wrong.

2. What would be the worst thing I could do? (not ask forgiveness)

3. What if I ask for forgiveness, but behave indifferently towards that person afterwards?

a. I am wrong, because I miss the goal of forgiveness...reconciliation.

b. OK - I did it Lord, I ask for them for forgiveness, now I'm not doing anything else - I'm done with that person!

c. Asking or granting forgiveness is not the end of a relationship...it is an important step toward reaching the goal!

4. Another situation: someone sins against me and asks forgiveness.

a. What would be the worst thing I could do? (refuse to forgive)

b. What if I grant forgiveness, but then discontinue any further attempts to build the relationship?

c. I fall short of God's goal for forgiveness.

II. Steps To Reconciliation

(2 COR 2:7-8) "SO THAT CONTRARIWISE YE OUGHT RATHER TO FORGIVE HIM, AND COMFORT HIM, LEST PERHAPS SUCH A ONE SHOULD BE SWALLOWED UP WITH OVERMUCH SORROW. {8} WHEREFORE I BESEECH YOU THAT YE WOULD CONFIRM YOUR LOVE TOWARD HIM."

A. Consider the situation at Corinth.

1. Someone in the church had Corinth had been disciplined.

2. As a result of the discipline, they had repented.

B. Next Paul gives us the steps of reconciliation.

1. Forgiveness

a. We've already learned quite a bit about this part of the process.

b. Tonight let's focus on the other steps.

2. Comfort or Help

a. The passage says, comfort him.

b. We may not be able to provide physical help, but must be willing to:

1) pray for God's help for the individual

2) think of others who may be able to help

3) we should not be satisfied until the relationship is back on track

3. Confirm love

a. The person shouldn't viewed as a second class citizen.

b. To do so is not to forgive, but hold their sins against them forever.

c. Note the example of the Prodigal's father. Cf Luke 15:21-24

d. Again, isn't that the way the Lord treats us?

The goal of forgiveness is reconciliation between two people. Will it always be achieved? No, only when both parties realize the importance of obeying the Scripture. We are to be growing in our forgiveness. Learning more about what God desires in our lives.

As I have said before, this matter of forgiveness is not easy, but it is right. Tonight, can we honestly say that all is right between us and others? Or are there some situations that still need to be resolved? In the situations where we have sought or granted forgiveness, has there been reconciliation? Why not come tonight and make things right with God and others.