Episode 172: Unlocking the Power of Forgiveness Part 1

Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

Today, Cara and Dot are kicking off a 3-part series on forgiveness. In this first conversation, they discuss the cost of forgiveness, the release it brings, and why it's a command for Christ followers. They explain why understanding forgiveness is crucial for followers of Jesus, as our salvation hinges on the fact that we have been forgiven. Grab a cup of coffee and join us as we dig into forgiveness, which has the power to change your life!

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know!

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Luke 7:41-50 (0:14)
• Forgiveness has the power to change your life (3:58)
• As a follower of Jesus, you have to understand forgiveness because our salvation rests on the idea that we have been forgiven (5:45)
• Forgiveness is costly and it is commanded for Christ followers (7:46)
• It is the release of the offender by the offended party (11:48)
• We can’t forgive others until we understand how much we’ve been forgiven (16:25)
• Being forgiven doesn’t mean you have no consequences (19:20)
• Forgiveness requires one person, relationship requires two (25:50)
• You have no excuse not to forgive (33:26)
• Forgiveness is a spiritual journey that requires the aid of the Spirit of God (39:00)

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Scripture Verse: Luke 7:41-50 (NIV)

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”