Why is Forgiving So Hard?

For Christians,

Forgiveness is not an option, but it is a choice.  

The way we must forgive is the way God Himself forgives. 

God does not have holy amnesia.

The greater hope for us is not a God who forgets, but a God who forgives. 

What does forgiveness mean to us?

1. Forgiveness is more about freedom than fairness.

2. Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the _same_.

Think of it this way. . .

  • Forgiveness is an act of grace between you and God alone.

++Why?

  1. God’s command. 
  2. Vital for your connection to God.
  • Forgiveness is independent of the other person. 
  1. Volitional
  2. Voluntary

Reconciliation is an act of pardon between you and the offender.

Romans 12:17–18

Forgiveness sis an act of grace.

Reconciliation is the _fruit_ of forgiveness.

3. Forgiveness is a _process_.

Matthew 18:21–22

  • It’s okay to take time to _heal_.
  • Because forgiveness can be a process this agonizing duration can often be an opportunity to cultivate a heart position of grace and mercy.

Ephesians 4:26–27

  • Forgiveness is one of the last steps of the grieving process.
  • True forgiveness is the healing process that can start in you and will gradually extend to others.

4. God’s grace empowers you to forgive.

Ephesians 4:7

2 Corinthians 12:9

I can’t forgive (grace).

I can through God.

Therefore- I forgive!!

2 Peter 1:3

Colossians 3:1–14

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