Forgiveness Is FreedomSample

Forgiveness In Action

The greatest example of forgiveness in action is Jesus Christ. Throughout His life, He was rejected over and over again. The religious leaders of His day hated Him. His family didn't believe in Him. His friends turned their backs on Him in His greatest time of need, and one of them even betrayed Him at the highest level! At the end of His earthly ministry, the crowds turned against Him and called for His execution. As He hung on the cross between two criminals, Jesus cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

When the hurts in life go beyond what we think we can bear, how do we survive the pain? How do we forgive? How do we begin to heal when we’ve been hurt? We can follow the example of Jesus and PRAY!

Here are three things we can pray for the people who have hurt us:

• Pray God heals their pain. If they have hurt other people, more than likely, they are hurting inside. Ask God to bring healing into their life.
• Pray God forgives them. Pray they will turn from their sin, repent, and find forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
• Pray God blesses them. Pray for them to experience the goodness of God to lead them to repentance.

As you pray for others, God will begin to do a work of healing and forgiveness in your own heart.

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.