(Bingo – Take the bottom row, fourth column space for free)
Forgiveness is NOT…
- Minimizing or denying what happened.
- Excusing or justifying.
- Removing all consequences.
- Forgetting.
- Necessarily instantaneous.
- Reconciliation or restoring trust.
Forgiveness IS…
- Giving up the right to punish or get even.
The four promises of forgiveness from “The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide
to Resolving Personal Conflict” by Ken Sande:
1. I will not dwell on this incident.
2. I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.
3. I will not talk to others about this incident.
4. I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal
relationship.
- Desiring good for the person who has offended us.
Luke 6:27-28 But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies!
Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for
those who hurt you.
When we walk in the light, we forgive from the heart.
- We forgive fully and repeatedly because we have been forgiven so much.
Matthew 18:23-27 This servant owes more than he could ever hope to
pay.
When we consider our motives, our desires, our actions, and our
words, we are this servant.
Matthew 18:28-30 The second servant is the person who sins against us.
- Why do I so often do what the first servant did?
I hear the Holy Spirit saying…
I live this truth out by…