Levaire's video: Forgive Others Lesson 4 of 7 Experiencing God s Goodness Self-Guided Christian Retreat

In the parable of the unmerciful slave (Matthew 18:23-35), Jesus teaches that unforgiveness holds captive the one who fails to forgive. In Luke 11:4, He taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive others of their debt to us.” To Let Go In the Bible, the Greek word for forgiveness is literally “to let go," as when one person requires nothing more of another. Forgiving means releasing bitterness and the need to be compensated for our hurt or loss. Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel; If we want to experience God’s goodness, we must embrace forgiveness. We must forgive “seventy times seven.” Jesus made this sobering statement in Matthew 6:15; if we don’t forgive others, neither will God forgive us. Forgiveness is a vital part of what it means to live in obedience to God. He wants us to forgive so we don’t grow bitter. Bitterness is toxic, emotionally and physically. In our resentment, we hurt ourselves far more than the one who offended us. When we release unforgiveness, we free ourselves to live joyfully and to grow spiritually. Jesus said, “Love your enemies and bless those who curse you…” (Luke 6:27). Even if the other person never asks for forgiveness—even if they don’t believe they’ve done wrong—we must still forgive. You can always forgive, even when the person is far out of reach. Our all-powerful Father works across time and space to restore our hearts. What Forgiveness is Not It is also essential to know what forgiveness is not. God wants us to forgive others (whether or not they ask), but God does not expect us to continue allowing others to hurt us. Nor is sweeping the offence under the rug and forgetting about it forgiveness. Time may be required to heal and rebuild trust. 7 Steps to Forgiveness Though we can do no good thing in our own strength, for God, nothing is impossible. Therefore, it is possible to go through a process with Him that leads to true forgiveness. 1. Recall. Picture the moment, recalling the sights, sounds, smells. What is happening? What was said? How did you feel? The hurt and trauma you received in this moment isn’t yours; it was given to you. Be honest about what you felt then and write it down in a journal or share it with Jesus or a friend. 2. Acknowledge pain. Don’t stuff the emotions down. It is good to cry and let the feelings of resentment come to the surface. Take this time now to give it back. In prayer, renounce the offence and trauma you experienced. Imagine telling the one who hurt you how they made you feel. Tell them you refuse to carry those feelings any longer. 3. The other’s shoes. Would you appreciate being forgiven if you were the offender? God said we must do to others what we want them to do to us (Matthew 7:12). We need not wait for the other person to take a first step that may never come before we take ours. We call Jesus Lord; not them, and not the offence. 4. As He did for you. We have been forgiven so much; by what rights do we hold onto our grievances? Jesus stressed the importance of forgiving many times. Regardless of how you feel, it is your decision to obey the biblical command; pray your emotions will catch up. 5. Let go. Returning to the offense again and again isn’t healing. Choose to move forward. Imagine yourself embracing the one who hurt you and releasing them from their debt to you. 6. Repeat. Forgiving is not always “one and done.” You may have to patiently forgive again and again until your trauma is released. 7. Love your enemy. Ask God to reveal to your heart His love for your offender. He wants to dissolve your pain from the past. Ask Him to fill the space left by the hurt you've been carrying. Thank Holy Spirit for replacing it with love, joy and peace. Philippians 4:13 reminds us we can do everything through Christ who strengthens us. God gives us the strength and grace to forgive. Continue your journey toward restoration today and pray for Jesus to equip you; He wants you to be free. [ S U B S C R I B E + 🔔 ] https://www.youtube.com/c/Levaire // CONNECT WWW: https://levaire.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/levairegroup/ Email List: https://levaire.com/subscribe-servant-reader-newsletter/