What does the Bible say about forgiveness? '“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 We do not deserve forgiveness For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8 We have developed a little of an entitled attitude in the church Praise God that we do not get what we deserve. We have needed forgiveness from the fall But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:9-11 No one is good enough. Through Jesus, we find that forgiveness  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:18 This is pretty clear. Heaven and Hell. Being scared of Hell does not mean you go to Heaven. God is the judge, not us And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved thedarkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who doeswicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should beexposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearlyseen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21 God is the judge, not us. God’s job is to judge our job is to love, but notice God leads with love. What does this mean for us? Forgiveness doesn't mean you don't feel pain. Forgiveness doesn't mean you are allowing them to hurt you again.  Unforgiveness only hurts you. Forgiveness is not a one-time event, it's a lifetime. Unforgiveness is often a marker of spiritual immaturity. _________________________________ Have you made a commitment to follow Jesus?  Decision Form Read the Bible with us, July Reading Plan