2011 July 10th
Sunday Sermon at Yoido Full Gospel Church ? Seoul, Korea
Speaker: Senior Pastor Rev. Yonggi Cho
The Power of Forgiveness
(Luke 6:36-38)

The 17th century English philosopher Francis Bacon said “In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.” Also, the American businessman Andrew Carnegie said “Let us forgive our enemies for our health and joy’s sake. This is wisdom.”
When we forgive our enemies we will become healthy and happy.

An American health magazine called “Health Day News” featured a study published in the “Harvard Women’s Health Watch.” The story shows how forgiveness can be beneficial to both our physical and mental health in several ways. In regards to physical health, forgiveness reduces stress by normalizing our blood pressure and strengthening body muscles. It also helps to decrease body aches and pains. Those who forgive experience improved heart conditions as well. In regards to mental health, they discovered that forgiveness brings greater happiness and leads to better relationships.

Jesus has loved us, who were enemies of God, by coming to this world as a man and bearing all our sins, forgiving us. We must always remember this and love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies.
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1. God and forgiveness
1). God is wholly righteous.
2). We are wholly unrighteous sinners.
3). There is a mutual judgment of the law that cannot be crossed between God and humans.
4). Jesus Christ, the redeeming grace
-God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ
-Let’s us rely on the work of the Lord and repent. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice we are forgiven
by God.
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2. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace
- To enjoy peace and happiness
1). Repent before God and others and let go of grudges and unforgiveness.
2). Tie together forgiveness and reconciliation with peace.
3). Give thanks with joy and gladness.

3. The way to live a life of overcoming conflicts
1) The cross of Calvary solves every conflict that we have between God and our fellow man.
* (2 Cor 4:7-11)
2) A life that practices forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.
- Always pray.
- Have an earnest conversation.




Life is a like a mist that appears for a while and then vanishes. But, the winds of dispute and conflicts will not stop and will cause our lives to be scattered. To receive healing and blessings in our lives we must have reconciliation and peace with God and live a joyful life. To do this, we must voluntarily forgive, repent, converse earnestly and respect others.