Forgiveness Issues

Forgiving Issues

Nothing in life can be more difficult and complicated than forgiving someone. 

1^st thing to remember is that wounds of the heart take time to heal ~ just like wounds that are physical.  You simply can’t rush healing.

2^nd thing to remember is the importance of not confusing forgiveness with reconciliation. 

Forgiveness is between 2 people ~ you and the good Lord.  Restoring your relationship with the good Lord to a place of spiritual health.  Then the good Lord restores your peace and joy.

Reconciliation is between 3 people ~ you… the good Lord… and the other person.  Truth is, reconciliation is not always possible.  Sometimes the other person is not ready to work on the broken relationship. I have counseled people that have unresolved anger issues against someone that has passed away.  Obviously reconciliation is not possible in this life.  However, forgiveness is very much a healthy resolution option. 

The reason the good Lord is vital to both is ~ HE is the only one that can change hearts. HE can soften and change my heart and he can soften and change the other persons heart.  HE works behind the scenes doing things that are humanly impossible. 

Just remember, working in hearts also takes time. 

Someone once said that refusing to forgive is like someone swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die. 

  

When we refuse to forgive (resolve the issues between us and the good Lord) it results in bitterness that robs us of our healthy relationship with God and others. 

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others" Colossians 3:13 NLT

“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" Ephesians 4:32 NLT

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins" Matthew 6:14-15 NLT

PRAYER:

“Father, I choose to forgive ____________ for _____________.

I ask that you please forgive me for holding any bitterness, forgiveness and anger in my heart toward ________.

I choose now to release ___________ into my forgiveness and choose to no longer hold anger towards ________.

I choose from this day forward to bless and love ____________.

I am asking that you bless ___________’s life and bring about peace, joy, and healing.    

Jesus please help me see ___________ through your eyes.

Spirit, please go into the area of my heart where my forgiveness was and bring about your healing.  In your Son’s Name, Amen!”