Matthew 18:21-35 (Press and hold on any verse reference to see it in its bibical context) Total forgiveness is not being a or refusing to the take the wrong that has happened seriously. Total forgiveness does not mean . God has forgiven people insurmountable sin debts, debts that we can never pay back. Yet we, in turn, often blindly refuse to forgive the much smaller sin debts that others owe us. When we do this, we are hypocrites. And somehow the way that we forgive others, affects our relationship with God. Lessons from this parable: When we sin against another person a is created. Romans 6:23 Those who don’t forgive, often seek the repayment of something that be paid back. We are often to our hypocrisy when we refuse to forgive. Ephesians 4:32 Holding on to wrongs done to us can cause emotional and physical . Psalm 32:3-4 Unresolved anger gives Satan an in our lives. Ephesians 4:26-27 Matt 5:22 – Murderous anger Holding on to an offense affects our with God. Matthew 6:14-15 Because Christians have been forgiven so much, we no longer have the to hold an offense. Steps to forgiving others: the offense: In prayer before God write down the name of the person who wronged you, spell out the offense, and figure out what you think they owe you. (Often you will realize you are seeking something that can’t be repaid.) Release the debt that the person owes you. 1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Christ will more than repay and restore every debt - Matthew 19:27-29 When you release the person that owes you, you give up some of your rights. Give up your right to dwell on it – forgiveness is often a daily process. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Give up your right to throw it back in their face. Jeremiah 31:34 Give up you your right to gossip about it to others. James 3:9-10 Purpose to pray for those who have hurt you. “The ultimate proof of total forgiveness takes place is when we sincerely petition the Father to let those who have hurt us off the hook—even if they have hurt not only us, but also those close to us.” - RT Kendall, Total Forgiveness Luke 23:34 Acts 7:59–60