I have talked rather extensively recently about forgiveness, so I'm not going to go into any stories, but I thought I'd continue the Disciple's Journal Character Series I started (although I am behind, but oh well) by giving you the memory verse I've been working on concerning forgiveness, as well as some of those great questions that are in the journal.
The memory verse: Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Self-evaluation questions:
- Do I release those who offend me by telling God I forgive them?
- Would I rather forgive than be forgiven?
- When I ask God to forgive me, do I believe He does?
- Do I carry the burden of an unforgiven sin?
- Has my attempt to forgive someone led to further conflict with that person?
- Have I ever observed the destructive results of a person's unwillingness to forgive?
- Can I name three people to whom I have said in the last six months, "Would you forgive me?"
- Can I name three people whom I have forgiven during the last six months?
4 comments:
This is a hard one but if you don't forgive then it just eats away your soul and makes you bitter and unpleasant to be around
Ya know what I've found is that when you do let go, you let God. I had to come to that conclusion a few months ago. Ultimately when our focus is on the power of God changing others thoughts, hearts and lives and not us trying to change their thoughts, hearts and lives...it just seems to work so much better :0).
There are times I'd still like to see the outcome though :0).
Yeah, that's definitely true. Right now, the person I am finding the hardest to forgive is the senior minister who I worked for in Arizona. He really is not a great person at all, and he has done a lot of damage to me, even after I left. This man has no integrity whatsoever. I definitely need prayer as to how I can possibly forgive him.
Maybe, ask God to show you what is blocking that forgiveness. More than likely anger and bitterness. Then when He shows you - surrender. I know it's easier said than done. Once that root is gone God can begin to use you in some pretty magnificant ways!
Today I had a friend of mine tell me during her prayer time that I came to mind. She was thinking of what I had told her about where satan repeatedly attacks me. It's through church leadership. She told me that it may just be God testing me to see how I handle the next situation so He can mold my character for His greater use. He has to 'root out' the old Tena in order to restore the new. That was wonderful affirmation. Maybe it's the same for you. I'll keep that in my prayers for you.
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