Things I have learned about forgiveness.
- Forgiveness is not just the words, "I forgive you" or "You are forgiven". It is a heart posture.
- Forgiveness is a two-way street. It releases both you and the offender from sin.
- Our ability to forgive mirrors our relationship with God because we understand the difference between life before and after Jesus entered our lives.
- Some people will never change, no matter how many times you forgive them, but some people turn out to be the loveliest people.
- Your forgiveness might be the beginning of another person's journey in Christ.
- In a practical sense, forgiveness frees your mind room to think of ways to move forward from that situation.
- Forgiving someone does not mean that you have to hug and hold hands. Some people aren't done hurting you yet. You may need to start fresh somewhere else.
- Forgiving is like experiencing Christ's forgiveness of our sins all over again.
- Forgiveness doesn't always happen all at once. It might take some time.
- To forgive is to achieve victory over sin. Satan wants to use unforgiveness to separate us from God and his forgiveness of our sins.
- There is much to learn from God about forgiveness and reconciliation, as He's the author of it all.
Tips for forgiving
- Read the Word. You will learn about the countless times God reconciled himself with his people.
- Work on your relationship with God. He will personally teach you how to forgive.
- Rely on Christ's strength, not your own. Your own strength will never be enough, but Christ's is.
- Present the situation to God in prayer. He hears you and understands your pain.
- Trust in God's power and limitless ways. He can restore what was stolen in ways beyond human understanding.