What is a "Community of Forgiveness?

A community of forgiveness is a group of people who have come to embrace as a lifestyle the reality of God’s forgiveness for all people in all relationships.  A community of forgiveness can be a family, a small group or an entire church or other organization

A community of forgiveness does more than just receive God’s forgiveness.  A community of forgiveness also practices forgiving one another and asking each other for forgiveness.  They demonstrate forgiveness by loving each other and by loving their enemies.  They demonstrate and proclaim the message of forgiveness enthusiastically to the world.

A community of forgiveness feels secure in God’s love.  They know that God sees incomprehensible value in every person in spite of his or her sin.  A community of forgiveness is filled with people drawing near to God without fear.  There is no fear in love because fear involves punishment.  They know that God will not punish someone for whom Jesus was already punished.  They know that God is safe and trustworthy.

A community of forgiveness is sensitive, empathetic and understanding.  A community of forgiveness is quick to comfort and validate a wounded brother or sister.  They are protective of the weak and oppressed.

A community of forgiveness is bold and caring.  A community of forgiveness is quick to lovingly confront an offending brother or sister with the goal of bringing about live-saving repentance and true reconciliation.  

A community of forgiveness is honest.  They are unafraid to deal with sins openly and honestly.  They know that truth spoken in love is the only way to bring about healing and restoration.

A community of forgiveness is inviting.  A community of forgiveness is safe because everyone is welcome and no one is condemned.  A community of forgiveness is full of hope because God can heal broken people.  A community of forgiveness is exciting because it is filled with people who are becoming more and more like Jesus.

It is our desire that every Christian group become a community of forgiveness.  Contact us to learn how may we help your group become a community of forgiveness?