God’s Second Greatest Gift (Part 7)
Ephesians
4:26-32
After weeks on this topic it seems
odd to say that we now come to the watershed of forgiveness. Will we let our pain hang on to our hearts or
will we use the miracle of forgiving to heal the hurt we didn't deserve?
·
Forgiveness
is a process that involves understanding the mercy God has shown
and recognizing how that applies to those who have hurt us.
Forgiveness: God's Way to Freedom Ephesians 4:32
I. Experience Forgiveness from God
God asks us to repent, not as a condition
He needs, but as an action we need.
II. Forgive Yourself
You rewrite your script
when you finally do forgive yourself.
You esteem yourself for the good
person you are. You forgive
yourself for the bad things you did.
III. Grant Forgiveness
Don’t wait on feelings. Anger and forgiveness can live
together in the same heart.
IV. Go through Stages of Forgiveness
·
We Hurt
·
We Hate
·
We Heal
·
We Come
Together
·
We Trust
Again
V. Rebuilding Areas of Bitterness
· Confess its control - be
honest about what possesses you.
· Realize its consequences - Hebrews 12:15
·
Refuse
its continuance!
·
Remember The
Right Things
Redemptive
remembering keeps a clear picture of the past, but it adds a new setting and
shifts its focus.
What
had to be remembered was the miracle of survival and renewal.
If
you lose your memory, you lose your own identity.
Learn
to reframe the incident with God’s provision and strength when stressful
memories occur.
