Topic 1 - Forgiveness

• Lords Prayer

  • Christians are taught to forgive in the Lords Prayer
  • Jesus taught 'Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors
  • God forgiving us depends on us forgiving others
  • If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us
• Forgive 77 Times

  • Jesus was asked by a disciple if 7 times was enough to forgive
  • Jesus said 77 times was the number of times to forgive
  • This is an exaggerated answer to mean we should forgive endlessly
  • Forgiveness does not depend on whether a person is truly sorry for what they have done. Forgiveness sets the forgiver free
• Forgive Your Executioners

  • Jesus asked God to forgive his executioners when he was on the cross
  • He said 'Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'
  • We should forgive those who do not realise they are wrong
• Love Your Enemies

  • Jesus taught we should make a choice to replace hate with love
  • He said 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'