Forgiven, Forgiving and Free - Larry Johnson - 6-15-2022
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by revisiting the foundational reason for forgiveness: Jesus’ prayer on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34), and how God answered that plea through the early church’s ministry in Acts. Larry Johnson highlighted the examples of Stephen’s forgiveness of his executioners (Acts 7:60) and Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle, noting how Philip hosted Paul despite his past. He emphasized that forgiveness is a command of God, not merely a suggestion, and that believers are called to forgive because our own forgiveness rests on God’s mercy. The discussion then turned to the practical obstacles that hinder forgiveness—pain, pride, cultural attitudes, fear of repeated offense, and the inability to forgive oneself. Scripture passages from Leviticus 19:17, Matthew 5, Romans 12, and Luke 17 were examined to show how the Bible acknowledges the difficulty yet insists on the necessity of mercy. Participants shared personal experiences, and the group concluded with a collective resolve to practice forgiveness, recognizing that extending grace reflects God’s character and brings true freedom.
Key Scriptures
And falling to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.