Almost everyone agrees that forgiveness is a good thing, but the Cross re-shapes forgiveness for the followers of Jesus. How? As we read from Matthew 18, we learn that the cross re-shapes forgiveness in the following ways. (1) We are to forgive those who wrong us, (2) We are to forgive as Christ forgave us, (3) The cross calls us to respond to God's grace by giving grace, (4) The grace of the cross empowers forgiveness, (5) Forgiveness is not dependent upon repentance of the one who wronged us, (6) Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing, (7) Forgiveness and reconciliation may require the help of others, and (8) Forgiveness is healing to the soul. (May 26, 2019) - Matthew 18.15-35.
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