II. The importance of forgiveness – Matthew 18:21-35.
  A. This scr i pture passage deals with bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness,
      holding grudges, and holding on to things of the past.
  B. Peter asked Jesus how often he had to forgive someone.
    1. Peter suggested seven times.
    2. Jesus said seventy times seven, which is 490, the same person and the same day.
      a. The parable of the unforgiving servant shows you the importance of forgiving
        others.
      b. You were forgiven for your sins through Christ’s death on the cross.

III. The danger of unforgiveness.
  A. It opens the door to the enemy. Demonic spirits have access to unforgiving people.
  B. It opens people to sickness.
  C. Unforgiveness can rule your life, instead of God ruling your life.

IV. How to forgive.
  A. You have to choose to forgive.
  B. You must forgive from your heart.
  C. Make a decision to forgive ahead of time because offenses will come.

V. Benefits of forgiving.
  A. When you forgive and release, blessings will come back to you and your family.
  B. If you don’t get bitter you will make it. Get better, not bitter.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• When did you learn the importance of forgiving others?
• How has being a forgiver blessed your life?
• Is there someone you need to forgive?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD
This week make a decision to be a forgiver. If there is someone you need to forgive, go to the person this week or call or write and tell the person you forgive him or her.

scr i ptURE MEMORY VERSE:
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”