Introduction

As we begin this study series, let's ask ourselves how we view "Forgiveness" right now. Then we'll compare our answers with our views against God's Word at the end of this series. Most of us may find that we are not dealing with forgiveness in a Biblical manner.

1. What do I think forgiveness is?

2. What do I do if the person never asks me to forgive them?

3. What if I do not feel like forgiving someone for hurting me?

4. When do I forgive?

5. How do I forgive?

Okay, let us look at what the dictionary says about forgiveness:
Forgiveness = "The act of forgiving; pardon."
Forgiving = "Disposed to forgive; merciful."
Forgive = "1. To grant pardon for or remission of (something); cease to demand the penalty for. 2. To grant freedom from penalty to (someone). 3. To cease to blame or feel resentment against. 4. To remit, as a debt. 5. To show forgiveness; grant pardon."



the above is from pg 496 in Funk & Wagnalls New International Dictionary of the English Language, Comprehensive Edition Copyright © 1984, 1982, 1977, 1973, 1971 by J.G. Ferguson Publishing CompanyStrong's # 859 a[fesiß - translated Aphesis - pronounced af'-es-is ; which is a noun, feminine in origin. This is used for the word Forgiveness in the New Testament.

It means much more, too
• release from bondage or imprisonment
• forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty

Wow - "letting them go as if they had never been committed"! That is a pretty heavy duty statement. Especially when we've been wounded deeply by anothers words or actions; yet this is the word used to tell us how we have been forgiven by God as we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior!

Strong's # 5483 carivzomai - translated Charizomai - prounounced khar-id'-zom-ahee is a verb - something we DO!

It means:
• to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify
  • to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent
  • to grant forgiveness, to pardon
  • to give graciously, give freely, bestow
    • to forgive
    • graciously to restore one to another
    • to preserve for one a person in peril

In preperation for next week, look up the following passages, and write out how you see forgiveness (or forgive) in action:

Job, chapter 42





Genesis 50:15-21





Colossians 3:12-17





There are so many, many examples, but this is enough to get us started. May the Lord richly bless you as you study His Word!