Main Point:

We can live a more free life by forgiving, when we….

#1. Don’t pack things better left behind.

Definition:

Forgive: ἀφίημι aphiēmi
to send away to bid going away or depart
to let go, let alone, let be

Sub Point:

Forgiveness requires an action.

Sub Point:

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting.

Quote:

“Forgiveness must be immediate, whether or not a person asks for it. Trust must be rebuilt over time. Trust requires a track record. If someone hurts you repeatedly, you are commanded by God to forgive them instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them to hurt you.” Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life

Sub Point:

Forgiveness should be timely.

Question:

Is there something you’ve been carrying around for way too long because you haven’t forgiven someone?

Main Point:

We can live a more free life by forgiving, when we….

#2. Go beyond saying, “I forgive you.”

Sub Point:

When forgiving, there is no “but.”

Quote:

“No, that was my gift to him, but it became a gift to me, too. I was finally free of what happened in Auschwitz. Emotionally, I was in charge of my own feelings. Forgiveness does not mean absolving the victimizer, they must take responsibility. Rather, it’s learning you have the power to forgive.” Eva Moses Kor