Matthew 18:21–22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)
11 Forgiveness Myth Busters
1. Forgiveness is a feeling
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)
2. Forgiveness means you will no longer feel the pain of their offense
3. Forgiveness means forgetting
4. Forgiveness means pretending it didn’t happen
5. Forgiveness is a one-time, climactic event
6. Forgiveness is a sign of weakness
Matthew 26:53–54 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? (NIV)
7. Forgiveness means condoning or excusing a wrong
8. Forgiveness is the same as reconciling
Matthew 3:8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. (NLT)
9. Forgiveness is conditional
10. Forgiveness means you always have to tell the person they are forgiven
Romans 12:18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (NLT)
11. Forgiveness includes justice
Romans 12:19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. (NLT)
