
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. —Lewis B. Smedes
1. Being
2. Choosing to keep no record of
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. —1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV
3. Refusing to punish.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. —Romans 12:17–19 NIV
4. Not
5. Being
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. —Luke 6:36 NIV
6.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. —Philippians 4:5 NIV
Graciousness is shown by what you don’t say, even if what you could say would be true. —R.T. Kendall
7. It is an
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. —Matthew 12:34 NIV
8. It is the absence of
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. —Hebrews 12:15 NIV
9. Forgiving
10. Forgiving
The five levels in praying for our enemies:
1. Duty: Is strictly based on obedience; you are doing it because you have to not because you want to.