The Power of Forgiveness

Guest: Pastor Jarrett Stephens 

Champion Forest Baptist Church 

Jarrett’s books:

The Mountains Are Calling: Making the Climb for a Clearer View of God and Ourselves

The Always God: He Hasn’t Changed and You Are Not Forgotten

Forgiveness:

1. Learning how to ask for forgiveness when you’ve wronged someone
2. Learning how to forgive when you’ve been wronged

Forgiveness does not mean that justice should not be pursued and served.

Forgiveness does not mean that you forget. Forgiveness does not mean that a relationship is restored.

Unforgiveness can lead to resentment and anger, it can become bitterness and a stronghold in a person’s life that keeps them from moving forward in life.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant - Matthew 18:21-35

Can you forgive a person who doesn’t even ask for forgiveness, isn’t repentant, or doesn’t even acknowledge? Yes. Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Good resources:

1. The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
2. When People are BIG and God is small by Edward Welch

How to seek forgiveness from someone who you have wronged:

1. Do it as quickly as possible. Confrontation is an opportunity for growth.
2. Go to the individual in a spirit of humility.
3. Apologize - be specific.
4. Ask for forgiveness.
5. Model Jesus. He is our ultimate example.