CELEBRATION NOTES
October 5, 2025
“DIFFERENT SIDES/SAME COIN”
Part 1: ERIKA KIRK AND FORGIVENESS
Part 2: WARRIOR
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34
I. WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT
- It isn’t a given.
- It isn’t minimizing the seriousness of the offense.
- It isn’t resuming a relationship without changes.
- It isn’t forgetting what happened.
II. WHAT IS GENUINE FORGIVENESS?
- RELINQUISHING MY RIGHT TO GET EVEN
“… Never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for He has said that He will repay those who deserve it.” Romans 12:19
- RESPONDING TO EVIL WITH GOOD
“… do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28
“Love keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Cor. 13:5
- REPEATING AS LONG AS NECESSARY
“Peter asked, `Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ `No.’ Jesus replied, `seventy times seven!'” Matt. 18:21-22
WHY OFFER FORGIVENESS TO OTHERS?
- GOD IS GRACIOUS TO ME. Eph. 4:32
- THE ALTERNATIVE IS BITTERNESS.
- GOD EXPECTS ME TO DO IT.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Mathew 6:15
