Forgiver Traits

I want to share the sermon I preached last Sunday at my church. 

YouTube Link -  https://youtu.be/I6dZZ44ocpw

Main Points from the messages.

Main Verse:-  Philemon 1:7

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. (NLT)

Introduction

• The letter is written to convince Philemon to forgive his runaway servant Onesimus and to accept him as a brother in the faith.

• Forgiveness is the economy of the heart. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits. - Hannah More

• In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feel like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another. – Andy Stanley, It Came from Within!

1. Greetings (1:1-3)
1. Paul was in prison, or he was under house arrest.
2. Timothy was with him
3. He considered Philemon as a co-worker
4. Philemon was a wealthy member of the church in Colosse. He got saved under Paul's ministry.
5. Colossian church met at his house.
6. Churches met at homes. 
2. Thanking God for Philemon(4-5)
1. Faith
2. Love for all of God's people
3. Prayer for action (6)
1. What we have in Christ is understood and experienced.
2. He put into action the generosity
4. Refreshing the hearts (7)
1. Your love has given me much joy and comfort
2. Your kindness has refreshed hearts.
5. Forgiver basic traits
1. Faith
2. Love
3. Understand and experience all the good things they have in Christ 
4. Put into action the same generosity
5. Shows Kindness that refreshes hearts

Conclusion

Forgive, forget. Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours. Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious. - Phillips Brooks

The man who refuses to forgive destroys the bridge over which he himself must cross. - John Irving