Romans 4:7–8 (ESV) - “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

The forgiveness of God at salvation is whole and complete – past, present, future sins.

Ephesians 1:3–14 (ESV) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Matthew 18:21–35 (ESV) - Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Objection 1 – I don’t feel like I can forgive them.

Objection 2 – If I forgive them, it seems like they get away with so much.

To the one who is unwilling to forgive…

1. Consider your own salvation.

To the one who is unwilling to forgive…

2. No one’s sin toward you is greater than your sin toward God.


Let’s be clear, sin is sin because it’s a violation of God’s holiness.

To the one who is unwilling to forgive…

3. Trust God with the justice.

Romans 12:17–19 (ESV) - Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:20-21 (ESV) - To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Discussion Questions
1. Read Romans 4:7-8. (quoted from Psalm 32:1-2). What is our hope according to these verses? How does this passage show the nature of forgiveness? Discuss the importance of believing God's forgiveness at salvation is whole and complete - past, present and future.

2. Complete this sentence: “No one’s sin toward you is greater than….” Discuss the impact of this truth on your perspective of horizontal forgiveness.

3. Why is it important to understand that forgiveness is not downplaying sin, excusing sin, or pretending everything is okay?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:5. What is the difference between not being able to forget an offense and keeping a record of wrongs?

5. Read 1 John 2:1-6. Should a person who is unwilling to do what God commands in the area of forgiveness be confident of his or her salvation? Why or why not?