FORGIVENESS

Matthew 18:21-22 AMP

Then Peter came to Him and asked, "Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let him go? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered him, "I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven."

When a follower of Christ is confronted with deep hurt or offense, we have to be willing to choose forgiveness over our fears.

Even though forgiveness is the pathway to true freedom, our emotional part will tend to withdraw and hide as a protective mechanism for our heart.

Rather than release the hurt, it feels safer to hold it and avoid the reality that we have a wounded soul. It takes courage to admit that we have been hurt, but every time we do, we position ourselves for the healing power and mercy of God.

Facing My Fear to Forgive

1. If I forgive then I'm saying what happened is okay!

NO. Forgiveness is a choice to extend grace that is not deserved.

2. If I forgive then I'm letting them win.

NO. Forgiveness is letting them go. Forgiveness is a declaration of my trust in God's justice.

Forgive, definition

To show mercy when I feel the right to enact judgement upon another. To let go.

Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV

He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.

Deuteronomy 32:4 TPT

He is a Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair…

3. They should pay for what they've done.

NO. The only person who continues to pay is the person who doesn't forgive!

Romans 12:19a LB

Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for He said I will repay.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

4. If I forgive I will have to reconcile with an abusive, unsafe person.

NO. Forgiveness only takes one person.

Our Ultimate Example

Luke 23:34 LB

"Father, forgive these people," Jesus said, "for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for His clothing, throwing the dice for each piece.

True forgiveness is given without a dependence upon the response of the offending party.

How do I forgive?

When I have been deeply wounded and my emotional heart doesn't want to forgive?

I forgive in faith.

I continue to trust God.

I renounce and break any partnership with past hurts and words spoken.

Prayer of Forgiveness

Lord I come to You.

I want to thank You for forgiving me, and cleansing me.

Thank You for Your wonderful mercy and love.

Thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross.

Thank You for continuing to love me, in spite of my struggles.

Thank You that You will complete Your work in me.

Today I choose to forgive __________________ for the hurt I have experienced through them.

I let go of the right to get even.

I renounce every attitude and mindset that binds me to the emotional hurt of the past.

I renounce resentment + bitterness.

I renounce hate + judgement.

I will no longer let the past dictate my future.

I will no longer give room for a spirit of fear to manipulate my heart.

I will no longer allow my heart permission to stand in agreement with my hurt.

Lord, I choose to trust Your perfect justice and not my own.

Lord Jesus, I surrender again to You, and place my life in His hands.

Please fill me with the Holy Spirit today.

Thank You Lord, that I am forgiven.

Thank You that I am Your child.

Thank You that my enemy is under my feet.

Thank You that I am more than a conqueror through Your wonderful love.

Amen.