CLOSING PRAYER:

Week # 7        

 

Lord God, let the fruit of Your Spirit characterize our words and actions, and bring life to others.  Heavenly Father, I confess my sins to You now, those known and unknown. Help me and others to believe that You really do blot out the things that we would like to forget too! We want to walk in the freedom of knowing that we are saved by Your grace and in the confidence that You will always show us mercy and grace.  For it is all Your Kingdom, Your power, and all the glory be Yours forever and ever. AMEN.

 

Weekly reading assignments: (Hebrews 13)

 

I have read the book of Hebrews our reading assignment for this study!

A Devotional on Forgiveness

Week # 7          

 

Have you ever been wronged by someone? I mean really hurt to the core? It's probably happened to all of us a time or two in our lives. The pain is worsened when someone close to us does it, such as family, friends or fellow Christians.

 

Natural human reactions can be revenge, anger, bitterness, or even disillusionment. We often protect ourselves by drawing away from the offender. This may lead to isolation from everyone into a self-imposed exile of loneliness.

 

Waiting for the offender to make things right is usually futile. The offender either doesn't realize the damage they've done through their words or actions, or they just don't care. Your suffering means nothing to the offender. They couldn't care less! The injured one carries the hurt.

The Lord Jesus showed us a higher way. He taught us by example to forgive. He said, as He hung on the cross dying,

 

"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34  NLT)

 

I've had to forgive on occasion. When I was a young minister living on faith, my prescription glasses were stolen from the dashboard of my vehicle. I believed it was done by some neighborhood teens though I couldn't be sure. The loss hurt me badly. I asked myself, "Why'd they steal my prescription glasses? They're no good to anybody but me, and I need them to drive."

The more I thought about it the angrier I got. I couldn't replace them at the time so it began to eat at me on the inside. Finally, I took it to the Lord. He told me in my Spirit that I must forgive them.

 

"Forgive them? I asked. They haven't asked my forgiveness." On that day I learned how forgiveness is a one-way street. When Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, they had not asked for forgiveness. Jesus would have never forgiven them if their asking were the prerequisite.

 

 No. Not only did He forgive them, He also did not hold it to their account.

So, I had to forgive those boys. I prayed from my heart for Father to forgive them, and then I took the extra step as led by the Spirit.

 

I prayed, "Father, I give my glasses to those boys. The glasses now belong to them. They can't steal their own glasses, so Father don't hold it to their account."

 

As I released the glasses to them, forgiveness was released, and a remarkable thing happened. The hurt, anger, and bitterness, from which I suffered, were released as well. I was freed from the hurt that was eating me up. Though they never asked my forgiveness and never knew I had forgiven them, in God's eyes it was official. They were forgiven and I was free! I released the grudge I was carrying.

 

So if you should find yourself walking down Bitterness Road, or Betrayal Lane, having been wronged, stop and turn right on Forgiveness Way. It will lead you away from the Angry Acres gated community, to the land of peace.

 

Remember, there is no going back because Forgiveness is a one-way street!

Weekly Prayer Focus:

Speak Lord Jesus

 

When your sins weigh heavily upon you, come to Me. Confess your wrongdoing, which I know all about before you say a word. Stay in the Light of My Presence, receiving forgiveness, cleansing, and healing. Remember that I have clothed you in My righteousness, so nothing can separate you from Me. Whenever you stumble or fall, I am there to help you up.

 

Man's tendency is to hide from his sin, seeking refuge in the darkness. There he indulges in self-pity, denial, self-righteousness, blaming, and hatred. But I am the Light of the world, and My illumination decimates the darkness. Come close to Me and let My Light envelope you, driving out darkness and permeating you with Peace.

 

Read:       1 John 1:17; Isaiah 61:10; John 8:12

Weekly Life Principle:

Five Steps to Forgiveness

 

Step 1: Recognize we've been totally forgiven. Once we understand the depth of our sin and the distance it placed between us and God—and once we get a glimpse of the sacrifice He made to restore fellowship with us—we should not hesitate to forgive. If we comprehend God's forgiveness toward us but refuse to forgive those who've wronged us, then we're like the wicked, ungrateful slave Jesus described in Matthew 18:23-34. Although his huge debt was forgiven, the slave immediately demanded repayment of a trifling amount someone owed him. Realizing God has totally forgiven us of a debt we can never repay helps us learn the importance of forgiving others.

Step 2: Release the offender from the debt we feel is owed to us. This involves mentally bundling all of our hostile feelings and surrendering them to Christ.

We can accomplish this by meeting face-to-face with the person who wronged us or by using an alternate approach. In cases where this person lives far away, has died, or is totally unapproachable, it may be necessary to use the "chair substitution" method. Sit facing an empty chair, imagining the other individual seated across from you. Then, confess your resentment. You can also use this technique when you want to practice confessing a wrong attitude before attempting it in person.

Step 3: Accept people as they are and release them from any responsibility to meet our needs. We all know someone who blames feelings of acceptance or rejection on others. You may even be like that yourself. Certain individuals can make or break your day, depending on the amount of attention they pay you. This is a common trait in those who are unable or unwilling to forgive. However, when we decide to forgive as an act of the will, we absolve others of any responsibility to meet our needs.

Step 4: View those we've forgiven as tools in our lives. The Lord uses situations and people to help us grow in our understanding of His grace. Joseph certainly grasped this principle. He saw his brothers as instruments God used to place him in a position to save his family during famine. His brothers feared what he might do to get even, but he responded, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive" (Genesis. 50:20).

Step 5: Make reconciliation. We are to re-establish contact with estranged friends, former co-workers, or family members—and an apology is a good place to start. We should do our part to restore fellowship with those who've hurt us. Once forgiveness is complete, reconciliation will be much easier.

 

After completing the five steps to forgiveness, pray this simple prayer:

 

Lord, I forgive (name of person) for (name the specifics). I claim authority over the enemy and take back the ground I've allowed Satan to gain because of my attitude toward (the person). I give this area of my life back to the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this in His name and in the power of His Holy Spirit.

 

Remember, forgiveness is for our benefit. The other person's behavior may never change. It's up to God—not us—to change others. Our responsibility is to be set free from the pressure and weight of an unforgiving attitude. Whatever our pain or situation, we cannot afford to hold on to an unforgiving spirit. We must get involved in the process of releasing others from the debts we feel they owe us. If we keep our eyes on the One who forgave us, it will be a liberating force like nothing we've ever experienced.

Weekly Stay Focus:

Forgiving Others

 

"Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained."

 

Ever known someone who simply refused to forgive? It's one thing to cling to past hurts because you're unable to let go; it's another to do so out of spite. There are no stipulations on forgiveness. We must forgive, regardless of what has been done to us. If you are struggling to release someone who has hurt you, ask the Lord to help you. A miracle of joy will take place as you release your grip.

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

 

1).     What is forgiving to you?

Forgiveness to me is letting go of grudges and bitterness. When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.

2).    Read Mark 11:23; Explain.

Jesus tells us that faith can move mountains. This is not a teaching for us to explain away or for us to drown under a thousand qualifications. Instead, it serves to confront our unbelief and encourage stronger faith in us. It enables us to attempt new things, attain greater heights, and stretch our imagination. We must not shun or deny this faith.  Our faith is our greatest power!

3).    When it comes to forgiveness, who is God protecting?

God's people are the ones who God is trying to protect. We are the ones who receive the most benefit from forgiveness, not the other person. God is protecting our hearts!

4).    When we have unforgiving in our heart, what do it do to our hearts?

A spirit of unforgiveness complicates and compromises our daily walk with God.

5).    Read 1 John 4:9-10, explain.

As grateful followers of Jesus, we are told to "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17). When we represent Him to other people in word and deed, they should see love, in the name of Christ.  God is telling us to love others as He has loved us. God love us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins in this world.

6).    Read Colossians 3:13, explain.

I really believe that is self-explanatory! "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."  We must forgive in order to be forgiven, amen.

7).    Forgiving starts as a decision of what, and an act of what?

Forgiving others often starts as a decision of surrender-an act of our will.

8).    God can work better in us when we do what?

We talk about healing and this is something that God can do better if we forgive others, and have no unforgiveness in our hearts.

9).    Forgiving others makes a way for our own what?

This makes a sure way for our own healing in our bodies every time when we forgive.

10).  If you need help in forgiving pray the ending prayer.

"Father God, I need your help and your insights. Today I have gained a better understanding of forgiving others and with your help, I fully forgive from my heart. Just as you have freely forgiven me, I forgive them. Father, I ask you to forgive me for hurting others out of my own hurt and to heal my relationships with others. I pray all of this in Jesus' precious name and by whom all forgiveness and healing was made possible. Thank you for loving me in ways I'll never comprehend. In Jesus' name.  Amen."

Bible Study: "The Seven Habits of a godly Life" Week # 7

(By Dr. Charles Stanley)

Prayer:

 

Father God in heaven, we hollow Your wonderful Name. We just had a remembrance of what Your Son Jesus did for us on the cross thousands of years ago, and it is still the most wonderful thing anyone has ever done for a person. We are so grateful, Lord Jesus.  Forgiveness is the next awesome thing, and we thank You for forgiving us today for our sins through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Now that we have been forgiven, Lord, please help us to forgive others in our lives. Forgiving can be hard, but as Your Word says, "We can do all thing through our Lord Jesus Christ." Bless our hearts to always forgive others who have wronged us, not matter what.  Father, forgive us as we forgive others in Jesus' name. AMEN.

 

 

Subject Lesson:        Forgiving other people. 

 

Let's recap and then study more on

Forgiveness may not be easy, but it's what the Lord commands (Eph. 4:32). Even if someone betrays us, we must forgive and trust God to take care of the situation

 

Forgiving Others - Direction from God:

Forgiving others may seem to be a choice, and in one sense it is a choice, but God has been very clear about forgiveness. He has given us specific direction in numerous Scriptures, all of which can be summed up in just one word -- forgive! God's Word says, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mark 11:25). "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:37). 

God is saying that it is in our own best interest to forgive! He is not talking about what is in the best interest of the person who needs to be forgiven. We are the ones who God is trying to protect. We are the ones who receive the most benefit from forgiveness, not the other person. A spirit of unforgiveness complicates and compromises our daily walk with God. Forgiving others releases us from anger and allows us to receive the healing we need. The whole reason God has given us specific direction is because He does not want anything to stand between us and Him. God's love for us is beyond our comprehension. Forgiving others spares us from the consequences of living out of an unforgiving heart. 

Forgiving others does not carry with it a single decision that we need to ponder. God has not qualified one sin as being more grievous to Him than another and He has not qualified one sin committed against us as warranting forgiveness and another not. For example, God is not saying, "If a person lies to you or steals from you, you should forgive him, but if they abuse you or harm your child, you can hold them in unforgiveness." He is saying to forgive everyone, always, and do it immediately.

 

Forgiving Others - A Personal Story:

Forgiving others often takes time. Amy was no longer living with her alcoholic and abusive husband Tim, but she had not been able to forgive him for the 32 years of abuse that she had experienced. She knew she should forgive him, but she could not bring herself to do it. She did not feel he deserved her forgiveness. This went on for several years until one day in a counseling session with Amy, I asked her to listen with her heart and be open to anything the Lord might say to her. During that quiet time, the Lord helped Amy see that He loved Tim, while disapproving of Tim's actions. The Lord made it clear to Amy that the abuse was not her fault. As she looked up from her quiet posture, she related how all of the reasons why she should not forgive were no longer valid. I asked if she was ready to forgive and she said yes. 

Amy's recognition that the Lord truly loved Tim, while disapproving his actions, caused her to have a change of heart. When she made the choice to forgive Tim, the feelings that had been compromising her life-anger, resentment, fear, misunderstanding, and confusion-left her heart. Forgiving Tim brought peace to Amy's heart.

 

Forgiving Others - The Divine Example:

We have a divine example for forgiving others! God knew that man needed forgiveness, so He sent His Son Jesus to deliver all of mankind from the eternal consequences of their sins (1 John 4:9-10). Colossians 3:13 says, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Jesus not only had the power to forgive, but to grant us the ability to forgive others just as we have been forgiven.

 

Forgiving Others - Personal Action:

Forgiving others often starts as a decision of surrender-an act of our will. This surrender invites God to begin working in our lives in a deeper level, allowing God to heal us. Just as with Amy, we can ask God to enlighten us with the understanding that we need to fully forgive from our hearts. We simply need to make the choice to be open to forgiveness and reconciliation. 

Remember, forgiveness does not justify the deed or the person, it does not provide God's forgiveness for their actions, because only God can do that. While nothing can undo the past, we can do something about the condition of our own present and future. Forgiving others makes a way for our own healing to begin. 

If you are willing to forgive, but you are unsure how, consider the prayer below: 

Father God, I need your help and your insights. Today I have gained a better understanding of forgiving others and with your help, I fully forgive from my heart. Just as you have freely forgiven me, I forgive them. Father, I ask you to forgive me for hurting others out of my own hurt and to heal my relationships with others. I pray all of this in Jesus' precious name and by whom all forgiveness and healing was made possible. Thank you for loving me in ways I'll never comprehend. In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Week #7

 

Questions:

 

1).     What is forgiving to you?

2).    Read Mark 11:23; Explain.

3).    When it comes to forgiveness, who is God protecting?

4).    When we have unforgiving in our heart, what do it do to our hearts?

5).    Read 1 John 4:9-10, explain.

6).    Read Colossians 3:13, explain.

7).    Forgiving starts as a decision of what, and an act of what?

8).    God can work better in us when we do what?

9).    Forgiving others makes a way for our own what?

10).  If you need help in forgiving pray the ending prayer.

 

Weekly Stay Focus:

Weekly Life Principle:

Weekly Prayer Focus:

Closing Prayer:

Weekly reading assignments: (Hebrews 13)