We’ve Learned that Forgiveness …

Frees us and allows God to be the judge. (Romans 12:17-19) “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Reflects God in our lives and keeps us out of bondage. (Matthew 18:32-35) “Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison until he had paid every penny. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart.”

We Need To Forgive For Our Own Health

5 STEPS TO BIBLICAL FORGIVENESS

STEP 1

Pray: I forgive [insert person’s name] for [insert specific offense].

Name what that person did. Get specific. Make it a complete forgiveness where no door is left open.

“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”’ Matthew 18:21-22 ESV

STEP 2

Pray: [Insert person’s name] owes me nothing, not even an apology, for [insert specific offense].

When someone takes something from us, we expect it back, right? We subconsciously believe they owe us an apology at the very least.

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 ESV

STEP 3

Pray: I forget that [insert person’s name] did [insert specific offense].

We must choose to forget the offenses or we will invite a spirit of resentment to vex us.

“[Love] does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” l Corinthians 13:5 ESV

STEP 4

Pray: I renounce any negative feeling I have toward [insert person’s name]. I choose to love [insert person’s name].

Praying this is doing the Word instead of being ruled by our emotions.

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12 ESV

STEP 5

Pray: Father, help me see [insert person’s name] the way You do.

God sees His creation with matchless love.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV

He sees His people as righteous because of Jesus.

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22 NLT