Jesus Walked in Melioration

Melioration is a word addressing the manner of making something better, causing improvement or developing strength.  The walk of Jesus was characterized by these types of endeavors, however, one of His most significant actions in making better or improving was within the process of granting forgiveness.  

Jesus was born as the one the one who would bring forgiveness to humanity!   He lived as the great forgiver!  His death and resurrection are shrouded in the blessing of forgiveness!  One way J-walkers imitate the meliorative life of Jesus is to be those who walk in forgiveness.

This lesson will examine Biblical instructions regarding the process of forgiving.  The text of Luke 17:3-4 will be used to discover that forgiveness is a process of:

• Accountability –  Jesus very explicitly indicates that one must “watch yourselves” or “be on your guard” when it comes to the subject of forgiveness.  Forgiveness initially has to do with the forgiver and not the offender.
• Approach  –  Jesus will call upon those offended to “honor” the offender by appraising them valuable enough to warrant an address about their sinful practice.
• Action –  forgiveness is not an emotion it is first of all a commitment to action.  One does not need to “feel” like forgiving in order for it to not be hypocritical.  One must, however, in faith grant forgiveness and call upon God’s strength to enable forgiveness to come regardless of one’s feelings.

Jesus gives very specific instructions regarding the process by which His type of forgiveness is realized by those walking in His steps.  Next week the Practice and Power of forgiveness will be the topics of discussion.

– Click on the play button below to begin the study –