## Additional Thoughts on Forgiveness

## Psalms 32:1

Over the past several weeks we have looked at the subject of forgiveness. I believe that it is the very foundation of the Christian faith, and it is of great importance that we understand and practice it in our daily walk as believers. It is unfortunate that often we as Christians are very unforgiving people.

We have looked at the process, basis, and the goal of forgiveness. Tonight I want to consider a few additional thoughts on the topic.

I. Does Forgiveness Necessarily Remove The Consequences?

A. Example: Ben.

1. He received a BB gun as a gift.

2. He was told and understood where and when he was permitted to use the gun.

3. He chose to bring it to the front yard and shoot up in the trees and around an area that he knew he shouldn't.

4. One of the BB's mysteriously found its way through a car window in the neighbor's yard.

5. He was very sorry, admitted his guilt, and repented of his action both to the neighbors and to his parents.

6. Is that all that he needs to do? NO!

B. Example of David. cf. Ps. 32:1-5

1. God forgave David of his sin with Bathsheba.

2. But there were still some very tragic consequences.

a. The death of the baby.

b. Absalom's half-brother Amnon rapes their sister.

c. Absalom murders Amnon.

d. Absalom tries to take David's throne.

C. Example of a person who has been a drunk all his life.

1. During a drunken stupor, he wrecks his car and loses his left arm do to the accident.

2. He gets saved - God forgives him, but he doesn't get a new arm to replace the one he lost.

3. The point is this: forgiveness doesn't necessarily remove the consequences.

D. Repentance demands restitution where possible.

(ROM 12:18) "IF IT BE POSSIBLE, AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN."

(LUKE 19:8) "AND ZACCHAEUS STOOD, AND SAID UNTO THE LORD; BEHOLD, LORD, THE HALF OF MY GOODS I GIVE TO THE POOR; AND IF I HAVE TAKEN ANY THING FROM ANY MAN BY FALSE ACCUSATION, I RESTORE HIM FOURFOLD."

(EXO 22:1) "IF A MAN SHALL STEAL AN OX, OR A SHEEP, AND KILL IT, OR SELL IT; HE SHALL RESTORE FIVE OXEN FOR AN OX, AND FOUR SHEEP FOR A SHEEP."

E. Even though forgiveness was granted, there are often some lingering consequences.

II. For Whose Sake Do We Forgive?

A. Why do we seek or grant forgiveness?

1. Many would say so that we would be happier.

a. Note some examples in the local Christian bookstores.

b. "Forgive & Be Free, Healing the Wounds of Past & Present"

c. Advice to an adultereer - don't tell wife about sin if you can "get relief" from confessing to God alone

d. "this book will illustrate how forgiveness has changed people's lives and will coach you in the process of forgiving so you can attain the full measure of joy available to you"

2. The problem with all of these quotes is the purpose or reason given for forgiving is 'do this and you will feel better'

B. Christ's concern when He forgave.

1. What was Christ's focus or purpose in forgiving?

a. For the honor of God the Father.

b. For the blessing the other person would receive by being forgiven.

2. When we think of Christ on the cross saying "Father, forgive them ...", it is blasphemous to suggest that it was done so He could feel better.

a. It is true that obeying God in this area will produce benefits for the one who forgives.

(PROV 13:15) "GOOD UNDERSTANDING GIVETH FAVOUR: BUT THE WAY OF TRANSGRESSORS IS HARD."

b. But when that becomes our motive - we are in trouble

c. Because there will be times when we forgive and it doesn't feel that good right away.

3. Remember the definition of forgive.

a. The word literally means - to do someone a favor, to give or do something that was not deserved

b. There is never any emphasis in what the act of forgiveness will give us.

c. One of the questions we need to ask ourselves is: "Have I been viewing this subject selfishly?"

d. "Have I asked forgiveness or granted it because of what it would do for me?"

There are consequences connected to every action that we perform. Forgiveness does not eliminate them. Seeking or granting forgiveness will prevent many additional consequences of dealing with sin.

Remember, sin is deceptive - and our rate of growth as a Christian is dependent upon how willing we are to take a hard look at ourselves and our motivations, especially in this area of forgiveness.