Forgiveness If you’re new to Lifpoint | Worthington, take 30 seconds to fill out our Welcome Card! Have a question about today's message? Ask it here. “and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” - Matthew 6:12 (ESV) Pilgrim's vs Vagabonds Pilgrims have specific destinations, specific reasons for going there, and specific ways that they travel. Vagabonds have no destination, no specific reason for going where they end up, nor any specific ways they want to travel. The first signpost of forgiveness is the reception of forgiveness We all need forgiveness, every single one of us. We are forgiven through the blood of Jesus. Have you accepted the forgiveness of God yet? Not all are willing to receive God's forgiveness Pride: Not acknowledging your need for forgiveness. Shame: Keeping yourself away from God's forgiveness. Have a question or pushback on this? Ask it here. The second signpost of forgiveness is the willingness to extend forgiveness There are two paths at this juncture: forgiveness or revenge / bitterness. Forgiveness has nothing to do with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is simply letting go. Have a question or pushback on this? Ask it here. There are 2 main reasons why we can forgive We forgive because we have been forgiven. We forgive because we know that God will bring justice. Not all are willing to forgive Unforgiveness leads to keeping yourself away from others. Unforgiveness can lead to manipulating those around you. Jesus has already offered to carry our “backpack of burdens” Jesus dealt with our sins at the cross, so we no longer have to carry them. Forgiveness involves handing over the burden of bitterness and resentment to Jesus. You cannot walk toward a forgiving God while neglecting forgiveness Sin separates us from God, so our sin must be dealt with if we are to continue making progress toward God. Unforgiveness toward others acts as a misleading path, guiding our focus away from God. We Know God through Forgiveness God is a forgiving God, and we are to be like our Father in Heaven. So through forgiveness, we become like our heavenly Father. As always, if you'd like to talk more with me about anything we discussed, you can sign up for meeting time. If you have any questions from the message today, send them here and I'll follow up!