Introduction: Reasons you do not forgive: they do not deserve it; they have not suffered enough; it makes you vulnerable.
What is Forgiveness Not?
- Conditional based on the offender’s actions
- Minimizing the seriousness of the offense
- Resuming a relationship without changes
- Forgetting what happened
What is Forgiveness?
- Relinquishing the right to get even (Romans 12:19)
- Responding to evil with good (Luke 6:27-28)
- Repeating the process as long as necessary (Matt 18:21-22)
- Remembering you have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13) (Colossians 2:13-14)
How Can I Forgive, When I Feel I Cannot Forgive?
- Realize forgiveness is supernatural; not natural
- Realize forgiveness is a process; not an act
- Realize forgiveness is a command; not a suggestion
- Realize unforgiveness is based on a lie; not truth
What Is God's Viewpoint On Forgiveness?
- It brings you face to face with grace
by receiving grace (Matthew 18:23-27)
by giving grace (Matthew 18:28-33)
- It views the offender as an instrument in God’s Hand
- It recognizes that bitterness is not a right
- It brings the wounds and needs of the offender in focus
- It allows God to use you (the offended) in the offender's life
Application:
Who has hurt you? Identify the person
How does it make you feel? Identify the pain
What is your natural inclination? Identify the lie
What does God’s Word say? Identify with the truth
Lastly, exchange the lie for truth; the darkness for light; the disease for healing; and the feeling for faith.
