…do not give the enemy a foothold. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other just as God in Christ forgave you. —Ephesians 4:27,31,32
Read the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35.
THE STEPS TO HEART FORGIVENESS
1. Open my heart to forgive.
“…forgive your brother from your heart.” —Matthew 18:35
2. Extend compassion.
“The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.” —Matthew 18:27 (NIV)
3. Release the person from my heart-prison.
“The master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.” —Matthew 18:27 (NKJ)
4. Forgive the person for each wound.
“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. If you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.” —Matthew 6:12,14
In Jesus’ name with all my heart, I fully and completely forgive
Before God I have forgiven
In Jesus’ name I command all torment to stop and any tormenters to leave and stop harassing me because I have forgiven
5. Bless and do good to that person.
“…bless those who curse you, do good to
those who hate you…” —Matthew 5:44
THE GIFTS OF FORGIVENESS
1. Light-hearted joy
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…to proclaim that captives will be released…that the oppressed will be set free…” —Luke 4:18
…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. —Isaiah 61:3
2. Inner peace
Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. —Colossians 3:15
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. —2 Thessalonians 3:16
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:18
3. Mountain-moving opportunities
“If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” —Mark 11:23,24
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” —Mark 11:25
4. Increased fruitfulness for God’s kingdom
Recommended Book
The Secret of Lasting Forgiveness, Bruce Wilkinson
(Under old title: The Freedom Factor on Hoopla)
Discussion Questions
1. What happens to us when we refuse to forgive?
2. Jesus said we are to forgive from the heart. Why do you think He used this phrase?
3. When is it difficult for you to forgive?
4. What grudges are you holding onto? How will you let go of them and forgive instead?