(Psalm 34:8 NIV) Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

(James 1:17 NLT) Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 

(Romans 8:28 NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

(Colossians 1:15 NLT) Christ is the visible image of the invisible God…

(Ephesians 2:1-5 NIV) As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

(1 John 1:7 NIV) …and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

(Luke 15:20 NIV) “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.

(John 8:3-11 NIV) The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”

6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

WHAT DOES FORGIVENESS DO?

1.   Forgiveness Meets Us In Our Worst Moments.

2.   Forgiveness Of Jesus Doesn't Ignore Justice—It Shifts It. 

3.   Forgiveness Doesn’t Just Erase The Past—It Restores The Future.

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR RESPONSE?

1)  Receive it. 

2)  Release It.

(Ephesians 4:31-31 NIV) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

(Colossians 3:12-13 NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

3)  Represent It.