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Isaiah 61:1-4 – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Acts 12:11-12 – Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12:25 – When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark. Acts 13:13 – From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia where John left them to return to Jerusalem. Acts 15:36-41 – Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing. Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he has deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Colossians 4:10-11 – My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends his greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the Kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Sermon Point #1 – Forgiveness is remembering how much we have been forgiven Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Sermon Point # 2 – Forgiveness is giving up our right to get even Proverbs 20:22 – Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord and he will avenge you. Sermon Point #3 – Forgiveness is responding to evil with good Luke 6:27-28 – But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 1 Peter 3:9 – Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Sermon Point #4 – Forgiveness is repeating the process as long as necessary Matthew 18:21-22 – Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, no seven times, but seventy-seven times.”