(Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT) "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

(Proverbs 2:11 NLT) Wise choices will watch over you. ...

(Proverbs 14:13 NLT) Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

(2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NLT) When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. ... so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

We've bought the lie...

• If it's hidden, it goes away.

(Luke 4:13 NLT) When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

We've bought the lie...

• Forgiveness requires two people.

Truth is its forgiveness is a one player game.

(Matthew 6:12 NLT) ... and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

We've bought the lie...

• It only affects me.

(Hebrews 12:15 NLT) ... Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

(James 3:17-18 NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

• Choices lead and feelings follow.

1. Receive it first.

(Isaiah 1:18 NLT) "Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

2. Give it freely.

(Matthew 10:8 NLT) ... Give as freely as you have received!

3. Go first!

* Jesus never asked any thing of you when you first meet him.

(Romans 5:8 NLT) ... God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.