Learning to biblically forgive involves learning to respond correctly to God when people offend us. Our goal in learning to forgive, therefore, is not to forget but to remember in the right way: 1. We should have a positive attitude toward the offenses, rather than a negative attitude toward the offender. James 1:2-4, 12 2. We must seek to view the offender as an instrument of God in our lives. Genesis 45:5 3. We should recognize that maintaining hurt feelings is a form of vengeance (getting back), which we have no right to exercise. Romans 12:17-20 4. We need to understand that the offender has already begun to receive the consequences of his offenses. 2 Thessalonians 1:6 5. We must acknowledge the eternal consequences of maintaining an unforgiving response. Matthew 18:34,35 6. We should realize that when we withhold forgiveness from someone we run the risk of becoming just like him, in attitudes if not in actions. When we forgive an offender, we avoid becoming like the person that we formerly resented. Romans 2:1-3 7. We must learn to welcome problems, trials, hardships and difficulties as a normal part of the Christian life. This happens when we begin to discern the benefits, insights and ministry opportunities that grow out of our suffering. 1 Peter 4:12,13 Let GOD Restore my broken marriage
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 05:49:46 +0000
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