A Great Christmas Gift

Nov 8, 2026 • John Elmer

Deck the Halls, Not Each Other

John Elmer, Founding Pastor

November 8, 2026

My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12

(Series Memory Verse)

Forgive because …

… Unforgiveness hurts us.

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to

cause trouble and defile many.

Hebrews 12:15

… We’ll need forgiveness again.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also

forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your

sins.

Matthew 6:14-15

Definition – To release someone from the debt they owe you and to move

on in love while giving God free reign.

• Forgiveness is not conditional, minimizing or foolish.

How Can I Forgive?

1. Decide to forgive.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against

someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13

2. Ask Jesus for help.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

3. Let go of your right to get even.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It

is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Romans 12:19

4. Repeat process as needed.

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, not

seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18:21-22

Action Step: I forgive _______________.