21 Days to Sweeter FriendshipsSample

Forgiveness

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15, ESV

Author Lewis Snedes once said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.”

Forgiveness is a complicated, challenging, and incredibly necessary process. Let’s think about the basics of forgiveness.

What is forgiveness? According to Family Life Today, To forgive is to “let go of your right to punish another and choose (through God’s power) to hold onto the other person rather than to hold on to his or her offense.”

Why do we forgive? We forgive because God forgave us and instructs us to forgive. If we want to continue receiving forgiveness, we must let go of offenses. Our bitterness and unforgiveness clog up the pipes and prevents the flow of heaven’s power in our lives.

When do we forgive? Over and over again. Every single time we are offended, and some offenses require us to forgive multiple times.

Who do we forgive? Ourselves and anyone who hurts or offends us. This may include God. If we were offended by something God did or did not do, we need to forgive Him.

How do we forgive? Pour out your hurt and offense in prayer. Cry it out. Pound it out. Write it out. Run it out. Or even yell it out. Then, invite God to drain all the pain, hurt, and anger. Pray for extra grace with your offender. Let it all go. Get up and live.

Prayer– Lord, would You reveal to me any unforgiveness I am holding onto today? As you reveal it, I will let it go. I want to live in complete freedom and wholeness today.

Reflect– Is there anyone you need to forgive today? Why not talk this over with the Lord?

We hope this plan encouraged you to have sweeter friendships. You can find connect with Melanie at www.melanieredd.com.