Rev Diment: Forgiveness

By Rev Evelyn Diment.

 Definition of Forgiveness-Giving up my right to hurt you because you've hurt me! Forgiveness is......The key that unlocks the door to wholeness.

Fallacy: salvation is not a magic wand - "everything will be OK from now on; I'll Just float  through life with Jesus out there ahead of me, straightening all the curves, whipping all  my enemies. No more problems for me”! Right? Wrong, not true!! The  spirit of man is the only one that has a right to feel that way, for he has been made whole. Being a Christian is a new, wonderful experience, but we still have our flesh     and past hurts that have accumulated over the years to deal with, even some spirits   that have made themselves  at home with us that have to do!

Bitter roots Judgments: people need to be released from my judgment to God's judgment. We really can't have a meaningful, loving walk with Jesus until we get  cleaned up, sozo'd - set free, and many of us are holding ourselves prisoners         through unforgiveness.                      

Hebrews 12:14-15;  Mark 11:25-26

Bitterness comes in stages:      

1. Hurt

2. Disappointment    

3. Resentment  

4. Anger  

5. Hate    

6. Revenge 

             By this stage a root has formed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Forgiveness is a commandment if we want God's Word to work in our lives. It is really for our benefit, not others. Unforgiveness will: 

1. Rots our bones - arthritis especially

 2. Opens the door to sickness  

3. Keeps us from fellowship with the Father

Forgiveness does not mean the other person is right!

Pray “the Lord's Prayer” daily to forgive those who trespass against you so you may walk in right standing with God.

Scriptures:

Matthew 6:9

Matthew 18:21

Matthew 18:15

Mark 11:25-26

Matthew 5:43-44

Luke 16:11

I John 2:9

I John 1:9

Psalms 32  

The Lord's Prayer

Peter: How many times do I forgive my brother?  

If your brother sins against you - take to church if necessary.    

When you stand praying forgive, so Father can forgive you.       

Love enemies, pray for those who curse you.    

Do to others as you would have them do to you.            

The son who spent his inheritance: His Father ran to meet and forgive him.  

 Anyone who hates his brother is in darkness.

 If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.