FORGIVENESS (Part 2)

INTRODUCTION

In part one, we learnt about the meaning of forgiveness, the types of forgiveness, what God says about forgiveness, Jesus teaching about forgiveness, what the Bible says about forgiving the unforgivable, forgiving seventy times seven, and the ability to forgive.

Today, we shall be considering stages of forgiveness, how do we ask God for forgiveness, how do you truly forgive, why is forgiveness important to God, how does God’s forgiveness impact your life, categories of forgiveness and its benefits.
According to Matthew 18:21–35 it is important to forgive others as we are forgiven by God, as illustrated by the negative example of the unforgiving servant.

What are the steps of forgiveness?

Step 1: Acknowledge the hurt. Psalms 32:5

Step 2: Consider how the hurt and pain has affected you by reflecting on the situation. Isaiah 43:18

Step 3: Accept that you cannot change the past, but must be determined to learn from the experience – 1 Peter 2:20

Step 4: Determine (make a quality decision) whether you will forgive or not. But it is better you let go – Acts 4:28

Step 5: Repair the altar: You need to decide where you want to go from there – 1 Kings 18:30

Step 6: Learn from your mistakes/action – Psalms 119:71

Step 7: You must forgive yourself and others that have sinned against you – Genesis 50:17

Step 8: Pray for Your Enemies: In Matthew 5:44, Jesus commands us…

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

Step 9: Understand Your Emotions: You must live beyond your feelings. Let your emotion catch up with your decision to forgive – Job 6:24

Step 10: Depend on God: You must live with a prayerful mindset and attitude.

Lord, help me not to be offended today. Keep me from unnecessary anger.
If I am hard at someone, show me who it is and give me the grace to forgive them.
Ephesians 4:32
Note – If you’re easily offended or there’s a person in your life who just annoys you, not only do you have to decide to forgive and live in peace, but you are going to have to depend on God for the grace to do it and make it a matter of prayer.

Categories of people in the act of forgiveness:

People who seek forgiveness: You seek forgiveness in order to relieve your pains that have been bottled up.
People who forgive: Unforgiveness is like a poison. Forgiveness can be offered freely as Jesus did to every one of us when we were sinners.

People who forgive themselves: We tend to criticise ourselves in harsh ways.

People who wonder if God can forgive them: The storm of doubt is guilt. You need to seek divine forgiveness from the throne of grace so that your self-worth can be priceless.

How do you ask God for forgiveness?
Once you’ve repented and confessed your sin to God, ask him for forgiveness by saying something like: “Father, please forgive me for my weakness, show me mercy.” After you’ve finished praying, accept God’s forgiveness, since he loves you and will always forgive your sins when you repent for them.

Why is forgiveness important to us?
Forgiveness releases us from the hold of hurt, disappointment, and discouragement. Understanding the importance of forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person or the offense. With Jesus as our life partner, the Holy Spirit leads us to grace and mercy.

Forgiveness frees you to be the Person You were Meant to Be. The Bible says that we were made in God’s image. Even in the brokenness of the world, God’s purpose is to actualize us into what we were made to be. Our example is His Son, Jesus and when we look at Him, what do we see? We see a Forgiver.

Forgiveness removes pain and grudge from your heart. You become happier and this is what the Lord desires for you. When your heart is pure, the Lord can find a place in it and fill it with love. When your life is free from grudge, the Lord can start sending you miracles – John 8:10-11 (the Adulterous Woman)

Practicing forgiveness can reap huge powerful health benefits such as: lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress, hostility; reduced substance abuse; higher self-esteem; and greater life satisfaction.

CONCLUSION:
Forgiveness is a gift. Ask for it sparingly, give it freely and value its power. Today, you have the choice to overcome evil with good. You can arrive at a new level of joy as you take meaningful actions to forgive.