Community Baptist Church Hastings

Horizontal Forgiveness – Part 2 7/19/2026
Matthew 18:18-35

A. Biblical forgiveness – pardoning/canceling a debt
1. I admit my debt to you – IOU
2. I claim you have sinned against me – YOM
3. Conflict: mutual sinning against one another

B. Review vv15-17 1Pet 3:15
1. Proceed with prayer and with restoration in mind
2. The Three Steps
a. Go to the person who offended you – and no one else
b. Take along a couple of witnesses – just for the record
c. Bring it before the church – if fails, witness to them about forgiveness
3. Remember – forgiveness is primarily for you

C. Follow-Up vv18-22
1. Reminder – God is always with us, even in the midst of conflict
2. We are to forgive without limit

D. Don’t be a victim
1. It’s okay to set some boundaries
2. Jesus didn’t chase after those who rejected Him
3. Don’t burn the bridge, keep the door open to reconcile

E. The Parable vv23-35
1. We have forgiven a debt we can never repay
2. We should forgive one another for far fewer offenses
3. The Lord’s Prayer – a double-edged sword

F. How to Forgive Rom 12:2, Mar 9:24
1. Follow the example of Jesus
a. We don’t deserve forgiveness
b. Jesus took the initiative to forgive
c. His forgiveness is absolute
2. Not a once and done, an ongoing process, like healing
a. Sins against us hurt, they are wounds
b. Wounds need to heal
c. Ask Jesus to heal your wounds
3. Consider just how much God has forgiven you