The most important single concept in

Christianity is that of forgiveness.

~ David Benner, Psychiatrist

The only remedy for the inevitability of our history is

forgiveness.

~ Hannah Arendt, Jewish Philosopher

Humanity is never so beautiful as when forgiving

another.

~ Jean Paul Richter

Forgiveness lays the basic foundation for any

continuing relationship.

~ Dr. Chuck Lynch, Theologian

Forgiveness is a door to peace and happiness. It is a small, narrow door, and cannot be entered without stooping.

~ Johann Christioph Arnold

Forgiveness is a beautiful word,

until you have something to forgive.”

~ C. S. Lewis, Philosopher

True forgiveness is the hardest

thing in the universe.

~ David Augsburger, Psychologist

Forgiveness is God’s invention for coming to

terms with a world in which, despite their best intentions,

people are unfair to each other and hurt each other

deeply.

~ Lewis B. Smedes, Psychologist

Without forgiveness, there is no future.

~ Bishop Desmond Tutu

Forgiveness is not so much a word spoken, an action

performed, or a feeling felt as it is

an embodied way of life.

~ L. Gregory Jones, Theologian

The rule of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

cannot sustain itself forever; ultimately both parties end

up blind and toothless.

~ Gandhi

People are mistaken if they think of Christian forgiveness primarily as

absolution from guilt; the purpose of forgiveness is the restoration of communion, the reconciliation of

brokenness. Neither should forgiveness be confined to a word to be spoken, a feeling to be felt, or an isolated action to be done; rather, it involves a way of life to be lived in

fidelity to God’s Kingdom.

~ L. Gregory Jones, Theologian

Be kind and

compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ

God forgave you.

~ Ephesians 4:32 (TNIV)

The deepest truth about ourselves is that we are

created for communion with God, with one another, and

with the whole Creation.

~ L. Gregory Jones, Theologian

Relationship is…

The meaning of life.

The DNA of the universe.

The only thing that lasts.

We all stumble in many ways.

~ James 3:2 (TNIV)

Forgiveness lays the basic foundation for any continuing relationship.

~ Dr. Chuck Lynch, Theologian

The purpose of forgiveness is not simply to heal the guilt of the

sinner but the purpose of all love: to come into

community.

~ Jon Sobrino

FORGIVENESS:

The choice to set aside the debt of someone’s

wrongdoing against you; the cancellation of a

relational debt.

Hebrew Words

Nasah = to carry away

Salach = to pardon

Kaphar = to atone for; to cover over

Greek Words

Aphiemi = to send away

Charizomai = to give grace; to pardon

Hilasterion = atonement; covering

The ReturnOf The

Prodigal Son

No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the

past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the

prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to

heaven.

~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge

crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so

easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance

the race that God has set before us.

~ Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)