FORGIVENESS

1. Forgiveness

a) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

b) Forgiveness brings you close to the heart of God and enlarges your capacity to love. Jesus prayed on the cross, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing.” Be blessed as you look to Jesus and receive healing from any resentment or unforgiveness you carry.

c) Ask Jesus to help you forgive yourself. He removes your transgressions from you as far as the east is from the west. Feel His cleansing washing over you and making you whole. Be blessed to be released from condemnation, self-judgment, or self-punishment. You are pure and blameless in His sight.

d) Ask Jesus to help you forgive anyone who has hurt you. Forgiving others doesn’t mean that what they did was OK or right. Forgiveness brings complete freedom to your heart and lets God be the judge of all things. Allow God’s grace to free you from the bondage of resentment and bitterness.

e) Ask your Father if you hold any bitterness or anger against Him about what He has allowed in your life. If painful events have distorted your image of God, receive His healing love and compassion. May your spirit and soul see those things from God’s point of view through His spiritual insight and understanding (Colossians 1).

f) May the grace of God do the deep work of forgiveness in you. The Lord says though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool (Isaiah 1:18). Be blessed to choose to live from that freedom. Be blessed in the name of Jesus who paid the complete price for sin.