FORGIVENESS
DO YOU STRUGGLE TO FORGIVE OTHERS?
Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful and freeing words in the human vocabulary.
“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit”
(Psalm 32:1–2)
If you’ve been wounded by someone, how do you “get over it”?
People want to forgive and forget… often the pain is just too deep. Although hurts may have happened days, months, or even years ago, forgiveness seems out of reach.
What if the offender never asks to be forgiven?
Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?
Discover the four stages of forgiveness, which are all designed to help restore emotional wholeness and emulate Jesus’s heart for forgiveness.
The obvious answer to the question “Why forgive?” is this: “Because God says so!”
Why does God say so? First,because others need it. And second, because we need it! Forgiveness is at the heart of God’s character and the heart of why Jesus came. God’s Word reveals His forgiving heart and provides many reasons why you should always strive to be forgiving.
“In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
(Ephesians 1:7)
Why Forgiveness Matters
Is Unforgiveness Secretly Ruling You?
When you refuse to forgive, your unforgiveness keeps you emotionally stuck to both the offense and the offender. A continual refusal to forgive digs a deeper hole in which you can easily hide your hardened heart.
Blaming others is a favorite tactic to justify unforgiveness. You can become too comfortable in the unnatural habitat of self-righteousness and self pity. Your past hurts, though buried, are still very much alive. And because they are not released in God’s way, oddly enough you become like your offender, and you’re blind to this.
Not forgiving your offender is an offense to God, thereby making you an offender to God as well! The Bible says to confess and renounce this sin. We see this in Proverbs 28:13, “He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
- For Others: Forgiveness allows others the opportunity to be released from guilt and helps in potentially restoring relationships.
- For Yourself: Forgiveness is a means of emotional liberation. It prevents bitterness and allows you to move forward with peace.
So make the decision now, do it God’s way. He says forgive. You can do it because He will empower you to do it.If you’ve been wounded by someone, how do you “get over it”?
People want to forgive and forget… and often the pain is just too deep. Although hurts may have happened days, months, or even years ago, forgiveness seems out of reach. What if the offender never asks to be forgiven? Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?
COLLECTION OF CLASSES
A comprehensive class on FORGIVENESS, that coaches and equips you to walk in victory.
Our Women of Faith Collection of Classes are designed to help you and those you care about deepen your relationship with Jesus and make practical changes in your life. Sign up to watch the Women of Faith Collection of Classes at LIFTABLEtv and start moving toward the FREEDOM you crave.
Dive into our Forgiveness Class
WOMEN OF FAITH SHOW with ALITA REYNOLDS
Inspiring conversations that will encourage you to live the life you were created for.
Do you want to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus?
Do you need some encouragement that your story has a purpose?
Join Alita Reynolds, the President of Women of Faith, as she and her featured guests inspire you to live the life you were created for and equip you to walk more fully in God’s purpose for your life.
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Understanding God’s Heart on Forgiveness?
Forgiveness is central to God's nature and purpose, as revealed through Scripture. Here's a deeper look into why forgiveness is so significant according to God’s heart:
1. Forgiveness Reflects God’s Character
- God’s Nature: Forgiveness is an intrinsic part of God’s character. As Ephesians 1:7 states, redemption and the forgiveness of sins are found in Jesus, reflecting the richness of God’s grace. Forgiveness is not just an action but a reflection of who God is.
2. Forgiveness is a Command and a Model
- Imitating God’s Forgiveness: God commands us to forgive because He has forgiven us. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others as Christ forgave us. This command is not arbitrary but an invitation to embody the grace we have received.
- Forgive as God Forgives: Colossians 3:13 reinforces that we should forgive others in the same way God forgives us. This highlights the importance of aligning our actions with the divine example set by Christ.
3. Unforgiveness is Seen as Sin
- The Sin of Unforgiveness: James 4:17 points out that knowing what is right and failing to do it is sin. This implies that unforgiveness, when we know we should forgive, is a transgression against God's will. It’s a serious issue that affects our relationship with God and others.
4. Forgiveness Leads to Mercy and Peace
- Heart of Mercy: Matthew 5:7 teaches that the merciful will receive mercy. Forgiveness is an expression of mercy that aligns with God's desire for us to live with compassionate hearts.
- Strive for Peace: Romans 12:18 encourages us to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us. Forgiveness is a key component in achieving and maintaining peace in our relationships.
5. Overcoming Evil with Good
- Transformative Response: Romans 12:21 challenges us to overcome evil with good. Forgiveness is a powerful way to respond to wrongs, breaking cycles of retaliation and fostering healing instead of harm.
6. Ministers of Reconciliation
- The Ministry of Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 reveals that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. Just as God reconciled us to Himself through Christ, we are called to help reconcile others, embodying the message of grace and forgiveness.
7. Preventing Bitterness
- Avoiding Bitterness: Hebrews 12:15 warns against letting a bitter root grow, which can defile many. Forgiveness helps prevent bitterness from taking hold in our hearts, maintaining our spiritual health and relational harmony.
8. Reflecting Jesus’ Character
- Imitating Christ: Ephesians 5:1–2 calls us to follow God’s example and walk in love as Christ did. Forgiveness is essential to reflecting the character of Jesus, who exemplified self-sacrificial love and grace.
Forgiveness is more than a command; it is a reflection of God’s nature, a means to live in alignment with His will, and a pathway to personal and communal healing. By forgiving others, we embody the grace we have received, prevent the growth of bitterness, and contribute to a more peaceful and reconciled world.
Forgiving others, especially when deeply hurt, can be incredibly challenging. Understanding why forgiveness is important and exploring practical steps can help in navigating this difficult journey. Let’s break down these concepts:
Understanding Forgiveness
Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation:
- Forgiveness is a personal decision to release feelings of resentment or revenge towards someone who has wronged you. It is primarily an internal process that brings emotional freedom to the forgiver.
- Reconciliation involves restoring a broken relationship to its former state or creating a new, healthy relationship. It requires mutual effort and willingness from both parties, and it is not always possible or necessary.
The Need for Forgiveness:
- Psalm 32:1–2 highlights the blessings of forgiveness from God. It shows the relief and freedom that come from having one's sins forgiven and the absence of deceit in one's spirit.
Practical Steps for Forgiveness
1. Acknowledge the Hurt
- Identify the Pain: Recognize and name the pain you are experiencing. Understanding the depth of your hurt is the first step toward healing.
- Validate Your Feelings: It’s important to accept that your feelings are legitimate and that it’s okay to grieve and process them.
2. Reflect on Forgiveness
- Understand Its Purpose: Remember that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself as much as it is to the other person. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of anger and resentment.
- Consider God’s Forgiveness: Ephesians 1:7 reminds us of the immense grace God shows us through Christ. Reflecting on this can help inspire you to extend that same grace to others.
3. Make a Decision to Forgive
- Commit to Forgiveness: Decide to let go of the anger and desire for revenge. This is often a deliberate choice rather than a spontaneous feeling.
- Pray for Strength: Seek divine help in your journey to forgiveness. Asking God for strength and guidance can provide comfort and resolve.
4. Process the Forgiveness
- Express Your Feelings: If appropriate, communicate your forgiveness to the offender. This can be done through conversation, a letter, or simply in your heart.
- Seek Healing: Engage in activities or counseling that help you process and heal from the hurt. Emotional wounds often need time and care to fully mend.
Additional Insights
- Forgiveness Does Not Equal Forgetting: Forgiveness is about releasing the hold that past hurts have on you. It does not mean you must forget or ignore the pain but rather choose not to let it control your future actions or feelings.
- The Role of Reconciliation: Reconciliation may or may not be possible or advisable, depending on the context and the willingness of both parties involved. It focuses on restoring the relationship, which is different from simply forgiving.
Forgiving others can be a profound and freeing experience, deeply rooted in the heart of God’s character. By acknowledging the pain, reflecting on forgiveness, making a decision to forgive, and processing it, you can find emotional wholeness and reflect Jesus’s heart for forgiveness. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal healing and relational peace, embodying the grace and mercy that God extends to us all.
