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"How to Set Others Free" Matthew 18:21-35 - 21 Then
Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother
when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not
seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is
like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the
settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since
he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children
and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 "The servant fell on his knees
before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'
27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed
him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you
owe me!' he demanded. 29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him,
'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' 30 "But he refused. Instead, he
went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When
the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went
and told their master everything that had happened. 32 "Then the master called
the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of
yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow
servant just as I had on you?' 34 In anger his master turned him over to the
jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35"This is how my
heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your
heart."
- Ask the Holy Spirit who you need to free.
Also, John 16:8 - When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in
regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
- Forgiveness. It is not an option.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you
may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
- How to forgive:
- Acknowledge the offense.
Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
- Choose to keep no record of the wrong.
I Corinthians 13:5 - It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not
easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
- Don't punish the offender.
Romans 12:19 - Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's
wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the
Lord.
- Don't gossip about the offender.
Ephesians 4:29-31 - 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your
mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy
Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get
rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with
every form of malice.
Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue has the power of life and death, and
those who love it will eat its fruit.
- Put the offender at the foot of the cross.
Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
- Just Do It!!!!
Genesis 50:14-21 - 14 After burying his father, Joseph returned to Egypt,
together with his brothers and all the others who had gone with him to bury
his father. 15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they
said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the
wrongs we did to him?" 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father
left these instructions before he died: 17 'This is what you are to say to
Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they
committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the
servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph
wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are
your slaves," they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in
the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to
accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't
be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them
and spoke kindly to them.
Luke 15:20-32 - 20 So he got up and went to his father. "But while he
was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion
for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 "The
son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am
no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his
servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his
finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's
have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive
again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. 25 "Meanwhile,
the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music
and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going
on. 27 Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the
fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 28 "The older brother
became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with
him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving
for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young
goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who
has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the
fattened calf for him!' 31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with
me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad,
because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
found.' "
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