Every one has been wronged or hurt at one time or another during life. Our natural response to wrongs is resentment, which turns into bitterness = UNforgiveness. Eph. 4:31: "bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking...with all malice."
Ungratefulness sets in motion that cycle. An ungrateful heart leads to judgment and criticism, resentment, anger which grows into a root of bitterness. It is through praise and thanksgiving flowing out of a grateful heart that brings us into God's presence. Bitterness unresolved grows deeper and stronger. Paul warns us in Eph. 4:26-27
We cannot change other people, but we can CHOOSE to changing of our responses. God provides the perfect example for us in that He choose s to forgive us even though we do not deserve it. Sin block us from God and without His forgiveness, we are damned, and deservedly so based on Romans 3:23 and 6:23. Luke 23:34 ... what a powerful witness to be forgiven by the One who was suffering in our place. We have no business and absolutely no right to be unforgiving toward others.
Satan does not want us to forgive others. He points us toward bitterness toward God.
God's pattern of forgiveness is described in Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:12, Col. 3:13,
WARNING: Hebrews 12:15
What forgiveness is NOT: *excusing...*minimizing the hurt...*the same as trusting...*necessarily forgetting...(it means not making an effort to recall something to mind. Forgiven should be written on the top of offenses forgiven.)...
*pardoning ONLY when asked (it is pardoning whether you are asked or not.) Roma.12:19-21
Forgiveness is not a feeling, but rather a CHOICE; an act of the will to clear a person's record in our heart. Forgiveness is a choice, a faith decision, not to hold an offense against a person any longer...not based on merit, but on grace.
Forgiveness is costly: Christ gave His life; All sin has consequences; A special part of forgiveness is that it is SUBSTITUTIONAL...meaning that one can bear the penalty for another's wrong; be a substitute. I Peter 2:24 Since we want to receive forgiveness, we must extend forgiveness to others.
II Cor. 2:10-11...Eph.4:27 "neither give place to the devil." Forgiveness is an especially powerful tool against Satan because it is really love in action...returning good for evil.
Matt. 6:12, 14-15 "AS" - a very important word. These 2 verses are not in conflict...on the cross He forgave ALL! In the operation of our everyday lives, free of consequences of unforgiveness entail the reality that we are to forgive others as He forgave us and He will not forgive us if we don't forgive.
Forgiveness nees to be an ATTITUDE in which we flow where we are asked for it or not. (Matt. 7:1-2) Practically speaking, these passages combine to mean that if we are holding anything against others, even if they are wrong, we will be judged in return. The cause and effect sequence here is rather clear...we bring God's judgment and unforgiveness on our own head when we juge others and refuse to forgive. Silent grumbling and a negative attitude indicate our judgement toward God. You must have a grateful heart to keep from judging others and especially God. ... Judging puts us into a prison...locked away from God's doing a work in and through us.
You must forgive everyone, including yourself, the Lord, and others. God is never wrong, but even knowing that we held "stuff" against Him and harbored negative thoughts and things against Him demands forgiveness. Different Biblical characters' responses to circumstances and people in their lives: Naomi...turned her name from pleasant to bitter; Joseph always had a attitude of forgiveness; Luke 14 a picture of forgiveness in the father of the prodigal son; unforgiveness in the older son.
Many benefits of forgiveness: emotional and physical benefits...release from damaging emotions ...physical dangerous reactions...acid production...eats away our insides. Internal peace comes which can even conquer disease. Maladies can result from unforgiveness: arthritis, high blooc pressure, stomach problesm, colitis, and on and on. Does not mean that you necessarily have a forgiveness problem, but be aware that it could be a significant contributing factor.
In order to flow with forgiveness, we must have a surrendered heart...a heart to serve God - exhibited through our service to others without looking for anything in return; no motive of gain.
CHOOSE to follow God's awesome example of forgiveness and experience intimacy with God beyond anything you imagined possible. CHOOSE A MIND OF CHRIST: [Make up your mind about forgiveness:
1. CHOOSE to have a heart of quick forgiveness. Mark 11:25, Luke 17:4, Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:13 2. Forgive no matter how evil the deed may seem. Matt. 5:39, Rom.12:17, I Thess.5:15, I Peter 3:9. 3. Gently remind and share often with your family the great cost of unforgiveness: *Satan will take advantage II Cor. 2:10-11; *The heavenly Father will deal with you. Matt. 18:35. *You will develop a root of bitterness and others will be contaminated and defiled because it is contagious. Hebrews 12:15. 4. CHOOSE Godly behavior toward your enemies (whom may be fmily members!). Proverbs 25:21-22, Matt. 5:44, Luke 6:27, 35-36. 5. Recognize who your real enemy is!! Eph. 6:12. 6. Keep your focus on Whose family this is...not yours, not anyone's but the Lord's! 7. CHOOSE to hardly notice when done wrong! I Cor. 13.
CHOOSING to forgive - in the power of the Holy Spirit - and leaving the results to God!!!!
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