Forgiveness
I
shared
my
intent
to
write
this
lesson
on
forgiveness
to
a
friend
who
is
a
nonbeliever.
He
said
he
did
not
think
forgiveness
was
necessary—which
caused
me
to
deeply
consider
the
meaning
and
consequences
of
his
statement.
The next day I realized the following enlightening and profound spiritual truth:
When one believes forgiveness in not necessary,
it impedes their ability to know and experience God’s heart!
Jesus declared, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ is absolute, eternal, and an expression of His love.
God’s forgiveness penetrates our heart and transforms our soul.
Forgiveness is more powerful than we realize, because it operates within the spiritual realm.
What’s
more,
forgiveness
operates
in
three
different
spiritual
dimensions—wher
e
each
type
of
forgiveness
enables
us
to
more
fully
know
and
experience
God’s
heart.
These
three
different
forms
of
forgiveness
comprise
the
content
of
this
lesson,
and
is depicted by the triangle to the right:
1
.
We must be forgiven by God.
2
.
We must forgive others, self and God.
3
.
We need to be forgiven by those whom we have harmed.
We Must be Forgiven
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
The
mystery
of
the
Gospel
of
Jesus
Christ
is
we
are
freely
forgiven—not
by
what
we
do—but
by
the
grace
of
God.
This
is
difficult
for
those
who
are
not
born
again
to
grasp
because
it
conflicts
with
our
human
rational
thought
process—which
is
based
upon
everything
we
earn
and
achieve
in
life
is
based
upon
what
we
do.
No
one
gives
us
anything of value for free…especially eternal life…which cannot be purchased (it has already been paid for by Jesus).
“But
God,
who
is
rich
in
mercy,
because
of
His
great
love
with
which
He
loved
us,
even
when
we
were
dead
in
trespasses,
made
us
alive
together
with
Christ
(by
grace
you
have
been
saved),
and
raised
us
up
together,
and
made
us
sit
together
in
the
heavenly
places
in
Christ
Jesus,
that
in
the
ages
to
come
He
might
show
the
exceeding
riches
of
His
grace
in
His
kindness
toward
us
in
Christ
Jesus.
For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone
should
boast.
For
we
are
His
workmanship,
created
in
Christ
Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10
“In
Him
we
have
redemption
through
His
blood,
the
forgiveness
of
sins,
according
to
the
riches
of
His
grace.”
Ephesians 1:7
“For
as
the
heavens
are
high
above
the
earth,
so
great
is
His
mercy
toward
those
who
fear
Him;
as
far
as
the
east
is
from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12
We Must Forgive
Those
who
are
forgiven—must
forgive—which
seems
relevant
and
logical.
However,
for
many,
this
can
be
very
difficult
because
our
flesh
does
not
want
to
forgive.
In
fact,
our
flesh
usually
responds
with
very
strong
emotions
that
demand vengeance and retribution for what was done to us.
However,
God
is
very
straightforward
about
forgiveness
for
those
who
are
born
again:
because
we
are
forgiven,
we
must
forgive.
The
following
words
spoken
by
Jesus
Christ
reveals
His
truth
regarding
the
importance
of
forgiveness.
Although
we
are
forgiven
and
will
live
with
Him
for
eternity…to
not
forgive
someone
has
many
undesirable
consequences that stifle our internal peace, joy, happiness, and spiritual growth.
“Then
Peter
came
to
Him
and
said,
‘Lord,
how
often
shall
my
brother
sin
against
me,
and
I
forgive
him?
Up
to
seven
times?’ Jesus said to him,
‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’
” Matt 18:21-22
Peter
(a
disciple
of
Jesus)
thought
he
understood
forgiveness.
Throughout
time,
the
rational
thinking
of
man
says
fool
me
once,
shame
on
you.
Fool
me
twice,
shame
on
me.
Do
it
again
and
%*$#^#&!!!
Peter’s
human
logic
and
attempt
at
spiritual
wisdom
caused
him
to
think
to
forgive
seven
times
should
be
more
than
sufficient.
But
Jesus—Who
reflected the character and heart of God—instructed we must forgive up seventy times seven (490 times).
It’s
important
to
note
the
response
of
Jesus
is
not
about
a
specific
number.
But
rather,
it
provides
insight
into
the
loving,
forgiving
and
patient
heart
of
God.
Consider
how
many
times
each
of
us
have
repeated
the
same
sin
over,
and
over,
and
over.
Jesus
then
continued
to
instruct
Peter
by
reinforcing
our
need
to
forgive
(and
consequences
of
unforgiveness) in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.
“Therefore,
the
kingdom
of
heaven
is
like
a
certain
king
who
wanted
to
settle
accounts
with
his
servants.
And
when
he
had
begun
to
settle
accounts,
one
was
brought
to
him
who
owed
him
ten
thousand
talents.
But
as
he
was
not
able
to
pay,
his
master
commanded
that
he
be
sold,
with
his
wife
and
children
and
all
that
he
had,
and
that
payment
be
made.
The
servant
therefore
fell
down
before
him,
saying,
‘Master,
have
patience
with
me,
and
I
will
pay
you
all.’
Then
the
master
of
that
servant
was
moved
with
compassion,
released
him,
and
forgave
him
the
debt.
But
that
servant
went
out
and
found
one
of
his
fellow
servants
who
owed
him
a
hundred
denarii;
and
he
laid
hands
on
him
and
took
him
by
the
throat,
saying,
‘Pay
me
what
you
owe!’
So,
his
fellow
servant
fell
down
at
his
feet
and
begged
him,
saying,
‘Have
patience
with
me,
and
I
will
pay
you
all.’
And
he
would
not,
but
went
and
threw
him
into
prison
till
he
should
pay
the
debt.
So,
when
his
fellow
servants
saw
what
had
been
done,
they
were
very
grieved,
and
came
and
told
their
master
all
that
had
been
done.
Then
his
master,
after
he
had
called
him,
said
to
him,
‘You
wicked
servant!
I
forgave
you
all
that
debt
because
you
begged
me.
Should
you
not
also
have
had
compassion
on
your
fellow
servant,
just
as
I
had
pity
on
you?’
And
his
master
was
angry,
and
delivered
him
to
the
torturers
until
he
should
pay
all
that
was
due
to
him.
So,
my
heavenly
Father
also
will
do
to
you
if
each
of
you,
from
his
heart,
does
not
forgive
his
brother
his
trespasses.”
Matthew 18:23-35
Some
may
perceive
the
response
of
the
master
as
revenge,
and
based
upon
conditional
forgiveness.
I
see
the
response
by
the
master
as
punishment
that
is
designed
to
change
the
attitude
of
the
heart
and
behavior.
Consider
the
parable
if
the
master
did
not
respond;
or
worse,
rewarded
the
servant.
God
is
holy;
His
word
is
absolute;
and
there
are
consequences
when
we
do
not
obey.
In
addition,
consider
the
interaction
between
the
master
and
the
servant
from
the
perspective
of
a
father
and
son
relationship.
When
a
son
disobeys,
will
the
father
punish
his
son
for
the
son’s
benefit? Plus, will the father disown his son for what he did, or still love him unconditionally?
For
those
who
received
God’s
grace
and
forgiveness,
harboring
unforgiveness
will
create
conflict
within
our
heart
and
soul.
Think
about
the
contradiction
when
a
Christian,
who
has
received
eternal
and
unmerited
forgiveness
by
the
sacrificial
blood
of
Jesus
Christ,
asks
God
for
forgiveness
of
their
sin
when
they
have
not
forgiven
someone
else.
The
internal
conflict
can
range
from
unpleasant
to
debilitating;
and
is
a
consequence
of
not
obeying
God’s
word.
In
the
same
way
the
master
delivered
the
servant
to
the
torturers
until
he
should
pay
all
that
was
due
him…the
torture
associated with the deprivation of spiritual peace is a form of spiritual chastisement…for our betterment.
“My
son,
do
not
despise
the
chastening
of
the
Lord
nor
be
discouraged
when
you
are
rebuked
by
Him;
for
whom
the
Lord
loves
He
chastens,
and
scourges
every
son
whom
He
receives.”
God
deals
with
you
as
with
sons;
for
what
son
is
there
whom
a
father
does
not
chasten?
Furthermore,
we
have
had
human
fathers
who
corrected
us,
and
we
paid
them
respect.
Shall
we
not
much
more
readily
be
in
subjection
to
the
Father
of
spirits
and
live?
For
they
indeed
for
a
few
days
chastened
us
as
seemed
best
to
them,
but
He
for
our
profit,
that
we
may
be
partakers
of
His
holiness.
Now
no
chastening
seems
to
be
joyful
for
the
present,
but
painful;
nevertheless,
afterward
it
yields
the
peaceable
fruit
of
righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:5-11
“And
because
you
are
sons,
God
has
sent
forth
the
Spirit
of
His
Son
into
your
hearts,
crying
out,
‘Abba,
Father!’
Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:6-7
Here are additional scriptures regarding forgiveness.
Jesus
said,
“And
whenever
you
stand
praying,
if
you
have
anything
against
anyone,
forgive
him,
that
your
Father
in
heaven
may
also
forgive
you
your
trespasses.
But
if
you
do
not
forgive,
neither
will
your
Father
in
heaven
forgive
your
trespasses.” Mark 11: 25-26
“And
do
not
grieve
the
Holy
Spirit
of
God,
by
whom
you
were
sealed
for
the
day
of
redemption.
Let
all
bitterness,
wrath,
anger,
clamor,
and
evil
speaking
be
put
away
from
you,
with
all
malice.
And
be
kind
to
one
another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:30-32
“Judge
not,
and
you
shall
not
be
judged.
Condemn
not,
and
you
shall
not
be
condemned.
Forgive,
and
you
will
be
forgiven.” Luke 6:37
“And
be
kind
to
one
another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving
one
another,
even
as
God
in
Christ
forgave
you.”
Ephesians
4:25-32
Here is something else to consider.
Why would God mandate we forgive others?
Take time and think about your answer.
My answer to this question is in the form of another reflective question.
Can you identify one commandment from God that was not for our physical and spiritual benefit?
Consequences of Unforgiveness
When
we
hold
onto
unforgiveness,
we
will
also
experience
anger,
bitterness,
hatred
and
a
desire
for
retribution—which
results in:
•
Distress to our body and mind.
•
Continued aggravation of our internal “scars” cause by the one who harmed us.
•
A “restricting filter” between us and God.
What’s
more,
the
day-to-day
internal
suffering
and
pain
associated
with
unforgiveness
soon
becomes
“normal”
to
us
because
we
forgot
what
it
was
like
to
live
without
the
internal
turmoil.
Meanwhile,
the
never-ending
boil
of
caustic
rage
continues to fester to the surface in what we say and do.
In addition, when we hold onto unforgiveness:
•
We are held in bondage by the person(s) who committed the offense against us.
•
Their
crime
continues
to
influence
our
ability
to
live
life
to
the
fullest
by
limiting
all
that
there
is
to
experience
in
our walk with our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
However,
when
we
are
able
to
stand
back
from
a
distance…and
look
at
everything
that
has
occurred
to
us
from
an
eternal,
spiritual
and
“big
picture”
perspective—and
reflect
upon
the
grace
and
forgiveness
God
has
given
us
in
His
Son, Jesus Christ—is when we are able to begin the process of breaking the stronghold and chains of unforgiveness.
It
is
safe
to
say
those
who
harmed
us
do
not
deserve
to
be
forgiven.
However,
it’s
also
safe
to
say
we
did
not
deserve
God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ. God’s desire for us is to:
•
Let go of that which continues to destroy us from within.
•
To forgive as He has forgiven us—as a reciprocal act of His love, His mercy and His grace.
Forgiveness—the
deliberate
act
of
relinquishing
(surrendering,
abandoning)
our
feelings
of
resentment
and/or
vengeance
towards
someone
who
has
harmed
us—is
biblically
mandated.
But
there
is
a
very
good
reason—because
forgiveness is much more powerful than we realize in that it can heal the internal “damage.”
Forgiveness:
•
Is a powerful spiritual weapon.
•
Will restore our body, heart and soul from the devastating harm caused by trauma, such as:
o
Verbal abuse.
o
Mental abuse.
o
Physical abuse.
o
Sexual abuse.
o
Domestic violence.
o
Parental separation.
o
Loss of a loved one.
•
Takes power away from Satan and his demonic minions.
•
Changes our perception of:
o
Those who have harmed us.
o
The world around us.
Even
if
the
person
who
committed
the
crime
does
not
care,
refuses
to
change,
or
is
no
longer
living—forgiveness
is
still
vitally
important
for
the
one
who
was
harmed—for
it
is
a
source
of
healing—which
has
been
proven
by
medical
research on forgiveness.
Medical Research on Forgiveness
There
have
been
multiple
studies
on
the
psychological
and
physical
effects
of
forgiveness
during
the
past
20
years.
Medical
research
has
determined
there
are
many
psychological
and
physical
benefits
that
occur
when
we
forgive.
(This should not be surprising because God’s word instructs us to forgive!)
Note: The following content is from an article posted by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Research
has
shown
that
forgiveness
is
linked
to
mental
health
outcomes
such
as
reduced
anxiety,
depression
and
major psychiatric disorders, as well as with fewer physical health symptoms and lower mortality rates.
APA content source:
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/01/ce-corner
The
Mayo
Clinic
is
one
of
America’s
top-ranked
medical
institutions;
is
regarded
as
one
of
the
best
residency
education programs in the United States; and performs significant research in multiple medical fields.
N
ote: The following content is from an article posted by the Mayo Clinic. Unforgiveness can cause:
Forgiveness can make way for improved health and peace of mind. Forgiveness can lead to:
•
Healthier relationships.
•
Improved mental health.
•
Less anxiety, stress and hostility.
•
Lower blood pressure.
•
Fewer symptoms of depression.
•
A stronger immune system.
•
Improved heart health.
•
Improved self-esteem.
Forgiveness is a commitment to change by to moving from suffering to forgiveness by:
•
Recognizing the value of forgiveness and how it can improve your life.
•
Identify what needs healing and who needs to be forgiven and for what.
•
Acknowledge your emotions and behavior caused by harm done to you, and work to release them.
•
Choose to forgive the person who's offended you.
•
Transition from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person.
•
Consider joining a support group or seeing a counselor.
Mayo content source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692
For more information on psychological and medical research findings Google “research on forgiveness.”
Where Do I Find Strength to Forgive?
It
is
important
to
realize
and
remember—the
intent
of
Satan
and
his
minions
is
to
cause
unforgiveness,
anger,
hatred,
bitterness,
and
a
desire
for
vengeance—to
occur
in
all
of
us.
This
is
what
he
orchestrates
between
nations;
and
this
is
what
he
instigates
between
persons—all
with
the
intent
of
causing
spiritual
and
physical
death.
When
we
choose
to
forgive, his divisive power is taken away, and its grip ceases its hold on us.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord…remember:
•
Where you were, where you are, and where you are headed (eternally) because of Jesus.
•
This transformation is because in Christ you are forgiven.
“And
you,
being
dead
in
your
trespasses
and
the
uncircumcision
of
your
flesh,
He
has
made
alive
together
with
Him,
having
forgiven
you
all
trespasses,
having
wiped
out
the
handwriting
of
requirements
that
was
against
us,
which
was
contrary
to
us.
And
He
has
taken
it
out
of
the
way,
having
nailed
it
to
the
cross.
Having
disarmed
principalities
and
powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 2 Colossians 2:13-15
“In
Him
we
have
redemption
through
His
blood,
the
forgiveness
of
sins,
according
to
the
riches
of
His
grace.”
Ephesians 1:7
Look through your spiritual eyes and consider:
•
The darkness that is in the world.
•
The influence of Satan in people’s lives.
•
The number of people living in darkness who:
o
Have no clue what they’re doing.
o
Are blindly led by unknown forces.
•
It is by the grace of God you can see these spiritual truths.
Now consider:
•
The person(s) who harmed you.
•
Their existence in overwhelming darkness.
•
The effect of Satan’s influence.
•
The eternal consequences of:
o
What they did.
o
What you can do.
Remember…even though the one who harmed you may:
•
Discount/disown what they did.
•
Respond with disdain
•
No longer live.
•
Forgiveness is for
YOUR
healing.
I Cannot Forgive Myself
We
once
lived
in
darkness
and
were
influenced
by
principalities,
powers,
rulers
of
darkness
of
this
age,
and
spiritual
hosts
of
wickedness.
(Ephesians
6:12).
But
we
are
now
in
the
light
of
Jesus
and
can
see
with
greater
clarity.
(Ephesians 5:8)
All
of
us
have
memories—which
are
part
of
our
soul
and
are
eternal.
This
includes
the
good
memories
and
those
we
wish
never
occurred.
There
are
times
when
a
memory
flashes
across
my
mind;
I
cringe
at
the
thought
of
what
I
did;
and
I
ask
how
is
it
possible
for
God
to
forgive
me.
Unfortunately,
God’s
grace
and
forgiveness
does
not
erase
our
memories of past sins. Our memories remain for a purpose. For example, our memories:
•
Provide us with a benchmark that allows us to compare how much we have grown in Christ (sanctification).
•
Provide us with an ability to understand and have compassion towards those who are bound by similar sin.
•
Reinforce humility.
•
Will be illuminated and judicated during the Judgment Seat of Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 5:9-11)
•
Magnify
our
thankfulness,
praise
and
worship
of
God
while
we
are
still
in
our
physical
bodies…and
especially
when
we
are
on
the
“other
side”
in
our
spiritual
bodies
as
we
join
the
great
multitude
praising
God.
Imagine
what
it
will
be
like
when
we
see
our
Savior
and
Lord
in
Heaven…and
we
truly
realize
for
the
first
time…how
much
God
loves us…and we were truly forgiven for that which we thought was unforgivable.
“Then
I
heard
something
like
the
voice
of
a
great
multitude
and
like
the
sound
of
many
waters
and
like
the
sound
of
mighty
peals
of
thunder,
saying,
‘Hallelujah!
For
the
Lord
our
God,
the
Almighty,
reigns.
Let
us
rejoice
and
be
glad
and
give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.’” Rev 19:6-7
Remember…the
sacrificial
death
of
Jesus
Christ
did
not
provide
a
means
to
forgive
a
few
of
our
“less
important”
sins.
He
also
died
for
those
sins
that
seem
unconscionable
(shocking,
immoral,
inexcusable,
and
horrifying).
To
perceive
otherwise discounts the unfathomable gift of grace God has bestowed upon us via His Son, Jesus.
How Can I Forgive God?
My
father
died
of
lung
cancer
when
I
was
14
years
old.
It
was
a
devastating
and
traumatic
experience.
Looking
back,
I
had
no
idea
of
what
was
going
on
internally
as
I
experienced
anger,
frustrations,
confusion,
and
a
mournful
heartache
that reached into the marrow of my bones. I missed my father. I miss him to this day.
Approximately
three
years
later,
while
standing
in
the
water’s
edge
in
Huntington
Beach,
California,
I
accepted
Jesus
Christ
as
my
savior.
When
I
was
21
years
old,
I
accepted
Jesus
Christ
as
my
Lord.
I
had
made
a
complete
mess
of
my life and my only choice was to give it to Him.
I am now 65 years old, and I can say with confidence that every one of God’s promises is true.
My
wife
and
I
discuss
the
loss
of
my
father
on
occasion.
(As
of
March,
2020,
we
will
celebrate
our
40th
year
of
marriage.)
We
both
wonder
if
we
would
have
met
if
my
father
did
not
die.
I
also
wonder
if
my
life
in
Christ,
my
teaching
ministry
and
the
website
would
also
exist
as
it
does
today.
I
will
not
know
until
I
am
on
the
“other
side”
and
I
can ask Jesus directly. Until then, the following assisted me in overcoming my pain, and forgiving God:
1
.
Express your pain and thoughts in prayer. Be honest with God (He can handle it).
2
.
Recognize His thoughts and ways are different from ours. (Isiah 55:8-9)
3
.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Each
of
us
needs
to
come
to
the
point
where—by
faith—we
conclude
the
events
we
go
through
in
life
are
allowed
by
Him to accomplish His purpose in our lives, and in the lives of others.
What If I'm the One Who Needs Forgiveness?
We
have
all
harmed
someone
in
one
form
or
another.
Those
who
have
entered
into
the
light
of
Christ
will
look
back
with remorse and guilt, and may experience negative consequences for our wrongdoing.
If you need to obtain forgiveness from someone you have harmed:
1
.
Honestly assess and acknowledge the wrongs you've done and how they have affected others.
2
.
Pray and confess your sins to God.
3
.
Then,
if
possible,
talk
to
those
whom
you
have
harmed.
Express
your
sincere
sorrow
and
regret
for
what
you
have done, affirm it was wrong, and ask for forgiveness.
4
.
If your wrongdoing resulted in a financial impact, if possible, reimburse their loss.
5
.
Do
not
explain
why
or
provide
excuses
why
you
did
what
you
did.
This
is
not
about
you.
This
is
about
those
you
have harmed and their recovery.
This
action—if
done
with
a
sincere
heart—will
begin
to
dissolve
your
guilt,
shame
and
pain.
No
one
is
perfect.
We
all
make
mistakes.
Plus,
God
is
more
interested
in
the
attitude
of
our
heart
than
he
is
with
our
failures.
His
love
for
us
is
beyond measure—which motivates us to repentance and obedience in all areas of our lives.
Your
actions
will
begin
the
internal
process
of
freeing
you
from
the
consequential
turmoil
of
what
you
did.
However,
it
is
important
to
realize
the
person(s)
you
harmed
may
not
forgive
you.
They
will
likely
need
to
overcome
their
pain
and
anger,
and
find
forgiveness
in
their
own
time.
Regardless,
remember
to
treat
them
with
humility,
compassion
and
empathy—and most important—agape love.
Summary
Jesus
Christ
was
a
perfect
reflection
of
God.
As
such,
consider
some
of
the
last
words
spoken
by
Jesus…after
he
had
been
rejected,
accused,
and
abused…as
He
hung
on
the
cross
dying,
He
said,
“Father,
forgive
them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
It
is
these
words
that
provide
spiritual
insight
into
the
nature
of
God’s
heart,
and
words
that
provide
us
with
guidance
in
how
to
respond
to
a
dark world.
Here is a link to a wonderful video on forgiveness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxoMbPWuk0I
Forgiveness
is
more
powerful
than
we
realize.
However,
forgiveness
can
be
difficult
because
the
scars
can
be
deep
and
calloused—especially
if
there
was
sexual,
physical,
mental
and/or
emotional
abuse.
But
remember,
forgiveness
is
a
choice—and
most
important—it
is
for
your
benefit,
healing
and
spiritual
wellbeing.
Think
about
it…all
of
the
consequences
of
unforgiveness
are
detrimental
to
life
and
living.
But
when
forgiveness
is
based
upon
a
sincere
heart
and
bolstered
by
the
Holy
Spirit,
it
will
break
the
chains
that
bind
you;
as
it
melts
away
the
inappropriate
thoughts,
undesirable emotions and harmful physical responses.
If you are harboring unforgiveness in your heart…the following prayer may assist you.
Heavenly
Father,
in
the
name
of
Jesus
Christ
I
come
before
Your
throne
of
grace
and
mercy
to
find
help
in
my
time
of
need.
Thank
you,
Jesus,
for
dying
for
me
and
paying
the
price
for
my
sins.
Your
word
says
that
we
are
to
forgive
others
as
we
have
been
forgiven.
However,
Lord,
I
have
been
deeply
hurt
and
I
am
having
difficulty
in
forgiving
because
of
what
was
done.
Holy
Spirit,
I
give
you
my
heart,
I
give
you
my
soul,
I
give
you
my
emotions,
and
I
give
you
my pain—because only You can change me from within. Help me to forgive as you have forgiven me. Amen.
“Therefore,
as
the
elect
of
God,
holy
and
beloved,
put
on
tender
mercies,
kindness,
humility,
meekness,
longsuffering;
bearing
with
one
another,
and
forgiving
one
another,
if
anyone
has
a
complaint
against
another;
even
as
Christ
forgave
you,
so
you
also
must
do.
But
above
all
these
things
put
on
love,
which
is
the
bond
of
perfection.
And
let
the
peace
of
God
rule
in
your
hearts,
to
which
also
you
were
called
in
one
body;
and
be
thankful.
Let
the
word
of
Christ
dwell
in
you
richly
in
all
wisdom,
teaching
and
admonishing
one
another
in
psalms
and
hymns
and
spiritual
songs,
singing
with
grace
in
your
hearts
to
the
Lord.
And
whatever
you
do
in
word
or
deed,
do
all
in
the
name
of
the
Lord
Jesus,
giving
thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:12-17
I
pray
you
find
the
desire
and
power
to
forgive
those
who
have
harmed
you…for
those
who
live
in
darkness
do
not
know what they have done.
All for His Glory
Harold D. Thomas
Jesus
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “The Power of Forgiveness.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided.
Questions
(Do your best to respond to each lesson question before looking at the answer.)
1. List and describe the 3 different types of forgiveness.
2. Why is it difficult to forgive others?
3. What was the underlying message in The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant?
4. What are consequences of non-forgiveness?
5. What are the benefits of forgiveness?
6. Should we forgive for the benefit of the one who harmed us, or for the benefit of ourselves?
O Are you harboring unforgiveness? If yes:
•
How do you know?
•
Are you experiencing any of the psychological and physical effects described in this lesson?
•
How long have you harbored unforgiveness?
•
Do you want to be free from the bondage?
•
Are you ready to completely let it go and give it all to God?
O Is total, absolute and complete forgiveness spiritual? If yes, why?
Answers
1.
We
must
be
forgiven
by
God.
We
must
forgive
others,
self
and
God.
We
need
to
be
forgiven
by
those
whom
we
have harmed.
2. Our flesh does not want to forgive and it wants revenge--which is magnified by our emotions.
3. If we are forgiven, we must also forgive.
4. Anger, bitterness, hatred, emotional distress, caustic rage, under bondage by the one who harmed us.
5. Healing of internal scars and reversal of the negative consequences of non-forgiveness.
6. For the benefit of ourselves.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on this button.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.