Most of us are still thinking about Christmas -- people we were able to see
again and people we miss. Meaningful music and services. Gifts given and
received. But as we know, the bottom line of what it's truly all about is
forgiveness - Jesus being born as a human baby, with the ultimate goal of
purchasing with His blood, our forgiveness. And He tells us to forgive others
as we have been forgiven. This week we are looking at some verses on forgiveness.
Num 14:19-21 (NRSV) Forgive the iniquity of this people
according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have pardoned
this people, from Egypt even until now." Then the LORD said, "I do forgive,
just as you have asked; nevertheless--as I live, and as all the earth shall
be filled with the glory of the LORD
Josh 24:19-20 (NRSV) But Joshua said to the people, "You
cannot serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will
not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and
serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after
having done you good.""
Psa 79:9 (NRSV) Help us, O God of our salvation, for the
glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name's
sake.
Mat 6:12 (NRSV) And forgive us our debts, as we also have
forgiven our debtors.
Mat 6:15 (NRSV) but if you do not forgive others, neither
will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Luke 24:46-47 (NRSV) and he said to them, "Thus it is
written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third
day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his
name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Eph 1:7 (NRSV) In him we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
Col 3:13 (NRSV) Bear with one another and, if anyone has
a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven
you, so you also must forgive.
1 John 1:9-10 (NRSV) "If we confess our sins, he who is
faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and
his word is not in us.