Offering forgiveness to others is one of the most difficult and important aspects of the Christian life.

But Scripture clearly commands us to forgive others.

In this week's verse 15, we're going to look at how God longs to fashion us into his likeness,

that we might model the love we've been shown to a world with no concept of mercy.

May you be filled with courage and boldness this week to offer forgiveness to those in desperate need of grace.

And may God's love shine through you as you enter into your calling

as a minister of reconciliation. Welcome to the First 15 podcast. Our scripture for today comes from Luke 6 verses 36 through 37.

Scripture says, be merciful, even as your father is merciful.

Judge not, and you will not be judged.

Condem not and you will not be condemned.

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

We would be wholly lost if it weren't

for the abundant mercy of our Heavenly Father.

Romans 3 verses 23 through 24 says,

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by His grace

as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

We are offered total and complete forgiveness of our sins

because God loves us and has mercy on us.

The mercy of God allots us freedom and restored relationship

we could never attain on our own.

We are not justified by our own works or inherent worth, but by grace alone.

The nature of forgiveness is mercy.

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