Are there any circumstances in which it’s okay not to forgive? Does Jesus really expect me to forgive? Stay tuned for empowering sermons on the why, the when, and the how of forgiveness.

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Forgiveness

BibleProject - Podcast

Forgiving Challenge

By ZACH ZEHNDER

  • Forgiving is not forgetting. 

  • Forgiving does not release the offender from responsibility.  

  • Forgiving is not pretending it never happened.  

  • Forgiving does not mean it did not matter.  

  • Forgiving does mean that I release any desire for revenge, repayment, or punishment.

  • Forgiving means that Christ will give me strength to live with the consequences of the offender’s actions.

  • Forgiveness doesn’t always result in total restoration. Some relationships may not get back to where they once were.  

  • Forgiving others flows from the forgiveness I have received in Christ. Forgiveness flows from our forgiven-ness.  

  • Forgiving means that I recognize my own weakness and sinfulness.  

  • Forgiving happens because of the blood of Christ shed for me.

Acknowledge the pain and hurt you are feeling. 

Recognize that anger at what transpired is okay, but hatred at the offender is self-destructive.

Realize that we receive healing in our soul from God (not the offender).

In order to fully restore the broken relationship, come together to seek mutual repentance & reconciliation.

God – I trust you with my pain, and I surrender the pain caused by [person's name] to you. Please give me the strength to forgive, as it's not easy for me to do. I choose to forgive, just as I have been forgiven. Thank You for the freedom and forgiveness you've shown me. Help me also to forgive myself and let go of any anger or resentment towards you. Please heal my emotions and memories. Restore my relationship with you and bring transformation to [person's name]. I pray for blessings upon them. Help me to forgive others just as you have forgiven me.

In Jesus' name, Amen.