The Challenge of Forgiveness

Genesis 33:1

 Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two maidservants.

For twenty-one years, Jacob had avoided a face-to-face encounter with Esau.  The inevitable moment of personal confrontation had arrived.  His brother’s acceptance would pave the way for his long journey home.

The Personal Restoration of Jacob:                                                                 Genesis 32:30

So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.

1.         He met         angels        .                                                         Genesis 32:1-20

2.         He met the         Lord        .                                                     Genesis 32:21-26

3.         He met         himself        .                                                      Genesis 32:27-32

The Powerful Acceptance of Esau:                                                                Genesis 33:2-16

1.         Esau came as a         forgiving         brother.                                                 v. 4

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.

2.         Jacob came out of         obedience         to the will of God.                      v. 10

No, please! said Jacob. If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.

Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.

                                                                    C C. S. Lewis

The Awesome Application to Our Personal Lives:                                  Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1.         Forgiveness is a         choice        .                                       Matthew 18:21-22

2.         Forgiveness requires         repentance        .                                 Luke 17:3-4

3.         Forgiveness has no         limits        .                                  Romans 12:14-18

4.         Forgiveness brings         closure        .                             Colossians 3:12-13

5.         Forgiveness brings         freedom        .                                      1 Peter 3:8-13

The sin of unforgiveness is a cancer that destroys relationships.

                                                              -Robertson McQuilkin

The Painful but Necessary Steps to Restitution:                                                    1 John 1:9

AIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1.         Be sure you’ve         experienced         God=s forgiveness.

2.         Choose to forgive the person who has         offended         you.

3.         Communicate clearly the         words         of forgiveness.

4.         Always follow the         example         of Christ.

5.         Act swiftly to          resolve         any dispute.

6.         Focus on your         future         in Christ.

Forgiveness is essential to our walk with Christ.

                                                                  – Neil Anderson