Forgiveness
is a Choice...
©
copyright 1998-99 by Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC
Forgiveness
is not easy. It can be painful. Actually, from God's perspective, forgiveness
had a great price..the death of His one and only Son. But our forgiveness
towards another human being doesn't cost us our lives. It may cost us our
pride, giving up retribution towards them and the loss of personal belongings.
Certainly, you can forgive someone for past offenses but still hold him
or her accountable for present responsibilities. Here are some guidelines
and scriptures which will help you as you consider forgiving someone and
letting go of the past hurts.
1.
Deal constructively with the root cause of anger towards the person...
Proverbs 29:11
a. Ask: What
am I angry about? What is my responsibility? What is his or her responsibility?
b. Forego Retribution:
"Do
not repay evil for evil . . ." (Romans 12:17-18) "... overcome evil with
good." (Romans 12:19-21)
c. Pour out
your anger to God & leave it there. (Psalm 10:1-18)
2. Plan a constructive
confrontation (Matthew 18:15)
a. Apologize,
if appropriate (Matthew 7:1-5)
b. Use a soft,
loving approach. Think about how much God loves you & has forgiven
you (Ephesians 4:32; Psalm 103: 11-12).
c. Be honest,
yet tactful (Ephesians 4:15,25)
d. Indicate
the behavior change needed
3. Choose to
forgive
a. Release
him or her from guilt & bondage (Ephesians 4:32-5:2)
b. Let go of
your demands on this person
4. Return good
to him or her (Matthew 5:43-46)
5. Depend on
the power of Christ to change your attitude towards the person. (Philippians
4:13)
Forgiveness
is worth it! When all is said and done.....you have to give up the power,
the pride, the hurt because you need to be released from the grip of bitterness.
And the other person needs your unconditional love.
"Love cover a multitude of sins" 1 Peter 4:8
Then you will
discover that "forgiveness is a choice you make based on the forgiveness
you have already received in Christ."
Read more about how to know God
personally in the article on Faith.
Read more on forgiveness:
The Power of Forgiveness
or
What
Makes Forgiveness so Hard Order:
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