Forgiveness

Google: Forgiveness 

One of the first things you'll see is this definition below

1. Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.

1. I've highlighted some of the key words that make the definition.

• Intentional and voluntary: something you do of free will 

• increased ability to wish the offender well: but how does this increased ability happen?

1. We know forgiveness from God is pardon, a letting go, "Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace." The cost to God was the Cross of Christ. To forgive sin, while remaining a holy God, this price had to be paid." -Oswald Chambers daily devotion.
2. But what about when it comes to forgiving others?
3.  Ephesians 4 vs 32 (ESV) puts it simply
4. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" 
5. Letting things go IS one of the most difficult things a person can do. And when you think about it, forgiveness is such a bizarre thing

- choosing NOT to hold a grudge when someone has done you wrong?

- choosing NOT to take revenge when you're completely in the right to do so?

But we are commanded to do so just that " as God in Christ forgave you" 

 If God can forgive us our sins, and the price it took to forgive them being death on the cross, who are we to not forgive others? It costs nothing, and will only benefit us. 

How do we do it? 
We have to humble ourselves, and it does take time because forgiveness is more of a process, than an event.
 But if we seek God's help, we can do it! 

Tips for forgiving

1. Don't deny that you've been hurt. Forgiving isn't denying 
2. Make a decision to forgive others (Luke 17 vs 3-5)
3. Don't seek revenge or repay evil for evil. Let God handle it (1 Peter 3 vs 9)
4. Pray the Lord will release any anger inside you (Ephesians 4 vs 26-27, 31)
5. Pray for those who hurt you (Matthew 5 vs 44) 

Life Lessons on Forgiveness

 
Condition Your Heart (click here for video)
Danny Gokey shares words of Solomon from Proverbs 4:23 and discusses why he advises us to guard our hearts above all else 
-KLOVE.com 

Forgiveness by Matthew West

                                                The story behind the song