Tuesday, November 14, 2017

10 Steps To Forgiveness

"Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." Matthew 6:12




Is He really saying what it sounds like He is saying here?

It sounds like what He is saying is if you don't forgive those who have sinned against you He can't forgive you. But that can't be right, can it? 

Actually, yes it is!

In fact, that is precisely what it means!

If you can't receive God's grace for your sinfulness then you won't be able to extend grace to others. That's pretty much what it means. The fact is simple even if the forgiveness isn't.

So, my relationship with others has a direct effect on my relationship with God?

Yes!

Wow! That's serious!

So, what do I need to do?

What does forgiveness look like? The answer will vary depending on the person involved and what they did to you. Here are a few helpful guidelines (taken partly from Kendall and also from a list by the Puritan author Thomas Watson, as supplied by Waylon Moore):

1. Face what they did and forgive them anyway.

2. Don’t keep bringing it up to them.

3. Don’t talk about it to others.

4. Show mercy instead of judgment.


5. Refuse to speak evil of others.


6. Choose not to dwell on it.

7. Pray for them.


8. Ask God to bless them.


9. Do not rejoice at their calamities.


10. Help them when you can.


Let me ask you a few questions in regard to this list. 

Is this not exactly what Jesus did for you?

Aren't you thankful that He did?

Does He then have the right to demand this of you?

Are you willing to forgive like this?

Where are you struggling?

Will you ask Him to give you grace to forgive? The same grace He used to forgive you?