Special Series: How Do You Forgive, What You Can't Forget - Introduction

How Do You Forgive, What You Can't Forgive - Introduction:

Forgiveness. It’s a word that can somehow strike fear in us. Forgive them? Are you serious? If you only knew what they did to me. How they hurt me. And yet, God asks us to forgive. All of us struggle with forgiveness because either we have a misconception about it, or we are still harboring hurts we can’t seem to release. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for improved health and peace of mind. Forgiveness can lead to: (a) Healthier relationships; (b) Improved mental health; (c) Less anxiety, stress and hostility; (d) Lower blood pressure; (e) Fewer symptoms of depression; (f) A stronger immune system; (g) Improved heart health and (h) Improved self-esteem. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you or making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life. Forgiveness means different things to different people. Generally, however, it involves a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always be with you, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help free you from the control of the person who harmed you. True forgiveness is not possible apart from God. You may believe it is impossible for you to forgive the person who hurt you. God says even the impossible is possible with God. Paul reminds us that we can do all things through Christ. God knows how difficult forgiveness is.“Forgiveness means that you no longer regard the offending person as indebted to you.” "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, andpray for those who spitefully use you" Luke 6:27-28 (NKJV).

Just as love is a choice, so is forgiveness. You need to decide to go past how you feel and to obey what God tells in scripture. It may seem like one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. Obedience is hard. And once God points out to you that you need to forgive someone, delaying is a form of disobedience. Whether we are seeking forgiveness for our own sins or asking God to help us forgive others, prayer is the first place to start when seeking restoration and healing. Keep in mind that each situation is unique. Before we jump into specific prayers for forgiveness, you may want to take some time to consider what God commands of us concerning forgiveness and why it's so critical to be able to forgive. As you pray, God will make it clear if you are to talk with the person face-to-face, or if you’re to write a letter or email. God knows each situation and he knows each person’s heart. When we refuse to forgive someone, we are saying that maybe Jesus did pay for the sins of the world but not this one. And that’s saying, what Jesus did was NOT enough. And yet, Jesus himself said, in John 19:30, “It is finished.” The payment was complete. Once you have forgiven someone, you will find you have more energy. Holding onto hurts stunts your growth. It’s dead weight. And yet, if you trust God in this area and obey what he says, you will experience God’s power in a new way. He will renew you and your desire to obey him will grow. Do you ever feel like something is in the way of your relationship with God? Maybe there’s someone you need to forgive. Just ask him. He’ll show you. "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord"Romans 12:19 (NKJV).