Daily Bible Study – Immanuel experience…
LEARN and PRACTICE the WORD of GOD
Forgiveness…
(Continuation from yesterday)
Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
III. Forgiveness is a decision.
1. Forgiveness is a decision for a divine process. It is rarely a one time event that results in an overall sense of peace. Emotions take hold in your body and and you’ll experience triggers that bring those emotions to the surface and you’ll feel the hurt all over again. This is the time to recommit to making the decision to forgive all over again.
2. Forgiveness is a decision to help people reach their potential and for us to reach ours, we must freely use the currency of God’s economy. We must decide to forgive.
3. Forgiveness is a decision to bear the fruit of Freedom. And it’s the golden ticket to living fully in the present. It’s finding happiness and peace in the midst of suffering.
4. Forgiveness is a decision not to dwell on the wrong endured. As Paul wrote, ‘Love keeps no record of wrongs.’ (I Cor 13:5). We decide that once we have dealt with it, we won’t keep throwing it back up in the person’s face. Forgive and forget is an illusion. Forgiveness is a decision not to use the memory of the wrong as ammo in the next fight.
5. Forgiveness is a decision not of feelings. They will never lead us towards forgiveness, and so ultimately, forgiveness becomes a decision we must make. It’s a decision that we may need to make many times until we receive the grace needed to forgive. As we commit ourselves to the pursuit of forgiveness, we will see Jesus heal our emotions little by little as He brings them in line with His will. Forgiveness is not a feeling – it’s a decision we make because we want to do what’s right before God. It’s a quality decision that won’t be easy and it may take time to get through the process, depending on the severity of the offense.
6. Forgiveness is a decision not to be ruled by painful emotions. If forgiveness wiped away all ill feeling, everyone would gladly and quickly forgive. The reality is that we can still feel the pain even after we have forgiven the person. However, we are called not to let our wounded emotions cut someone out of our lives or lash back.
7. Forgiveness is a decision to allow someone to regain trust. When someone sins against us it breaks trust and respect. Forgiveness doesn’t immediately restore trust. However, it does give the person a way to regain it. Forgiveness include setting boundaries and accountability. Boundaries and accountability are about extending grace, not punishment. Essentially, forgiveness allows opportunity for reconciliation. Yes, it does take two to reconcile, but let it never be said that it was the follower of Christ who wouldn’t allow reconciliation to take place.
8. Forgiveness is a decision to help someone become who God created him or her to be. When we stumble and fall, we often need another person who will help pick us up, offer encouragement, and show us a way to better relationships. If we believe that everyone and every situation is redeemable, we can create grace-filled accountability so that God can transform the person who has sinned. And think about it, our little, raggedy selves are invited by God to be a part of that restoring process!
9. Forgiveness is a decision to no longer be consumed by the hurt. If you are grappling with forgiveness, make a decision. In writing this, I’ve made mine. I may continue to struggle with the scars and still remembering but I am deciding to no longer be consumed by the hurt. I am deciding to be free and allow connection, joy and peace to override pain. And I am committed to the process of forgiveness and repeating my decision, knowing that my life will be richer and happier for it.
Prayer: Abba Father, Thank you for Your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us together in perfect harmony.” Help me demonstrate unconditional love and forgiveness today, even to those who hurt me. Father God, may Your living Word saturate my mind and direct my thoughts. Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves. I want to see my offender through my Savior’s eyes. We are all your children, and Your desire is that none of us should perish. You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” When I forgive in words, allow Your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. With gratitude I can draw closer to you and let go of unforgiveness. With gratitude I can see the person who caused my pain as a child of the Most High God, loved and accepted. Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness. And when I see the person who hurt me, bring this prayer back to my remembrance, so I can take any ungodly thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. And may the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise You for the work You are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. I pray by the name of Jesus, Amen.