Your Ultimate JourneySample

FORGIVE TO BE FREE

MATTHEW 6:14-15

Forgive—it’s only fair

Sometimes it is difficult to forgive or to let go of a grudge, because you were seriously hurt…or those who caused you pain don’t stop doing so. You may feel the person(s) do(es)n’t deserve your forgiveness. Even if you find it very difficult to forgive, it is still the fair and right thing for you to do.

It is fair of God to expect you to forgive others because He forgave all your sins, as Jesus explains in the Bible. Matthew 18:23-35

Unforgiveness is like a disease

Unforgiveness is one of the main reasons why people’s prayers aren’t answered, why they become sick, have no peace, struggle with relationships, and struggle to be close with God. It’s not worthwhile to have a grudge against anyone—you end up being the one who suffers.

Unforgiveness is like wanting someone else dead but drinking the poison yourself. When you hold on to bad or hurtful incidents, bitterness grows in your heart. Bitterness weighs you down and steals your peace. It also influences your attitude, how you react and what you say. You will struggle to love others around you. Hebrews 12:15 When you have bitterness towards other people, they usually sense your lack of love and treat you likewise.

Forgive like God forgives

Micah 7:18 shows the forgiving heart of God. It doesn’t matter what sin you have done, when you ask forgiveness and turn away, He will forgive you. Isaiah 1:18 & Psalm 103:12

Forgive others

Come, obey God and forgive all those who did you wrong. Make a list of those you still need to forgive. Now, forgive every person for all you hold against them.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving all my sins. Please give me the strength and mercy to be obedient and forgive everyone completely. Through your grace, I now forgive {name the people on your list one by one} for {all they have done to you}. Cleanse my heart and mind from any negative thoughts and feelings against them. Thank You so much—in Jesus’s name, amen.

How do you plan to handle future situations where people do you wrong?

Lord, Thank You for cleansing my heart from bitterness. Help me to live in this freedom that forgiveness brings—in Jesus’s name, amen.

COLOSSIANS 3:13