Lifepoint Lebanon

Harboring unforgiveness is like building a prison for the one who hurt you, but upon completion, you realize that the only prisoner is you.

What are the dangers of unforgiveness?

1. Unforgiveness is making an alliance or a demonic partnership with satan

2. Bitterness

Bitterness is the emotional response you give any time you stare at the sins of the one you refuse to forgive.

“Bitterness is the poison you drink that kills you before the other man dies.” Nelson Mandela

3. Isolation

Isolation: the state of being separated from others.

4. Distance from God

What’s necessary isn’t always easy, but its always worth it!

The Benefits of Forgiveness

1. Pleasure of the Father

The best way to describe God’s family values is to Live like JESUS!

We aren’t called to comfort but rather to kill the parts of us that are
nothing like Jesus.

We never look more like Jesus than when we forgive like Jesus!

2. The Peace of Jesus

3. Freedom

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.-Lewis Smedes

At the core of forgiveness is Freedom.

How do I forgive?
– Surrender the right to get even. (Romans 12:9)
– Surrender your thoughts about the person. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
– Surrender your words regarding the person. (Ephesians 4:29,31)
– Surrender your own resentment, anger, bitterness, self-pity, etc. (1 John 1:9)