WAY #6: FORGIVE… AGAIN

 
Just as God forgives us, heal relationships by extending forgiveness with grace and generosity. Forgive everyone everything. Start by praying for those you resent or hate. Ask for every blessing you would want for the one you’re struggling to forgive.
 
a “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6: 13, 14)
 
b Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4: 31)
 
c Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3: 13)
 
Ideas for Action: Work on “dropping” the anger you have. Don’t let it come between you and someone else. Stop bringing up the hurt in public or with friends. Stop nursing the memory of how you’ve been wronged.

 

Daily Devotionals

 
MONDAY:

Matthew 6:13

THINK: There are some pretty scary passages scattered throughout Scripture. This is one of them. If you refuse to forgive, you will not be forgiven. For a Christian, forgiveness is both received and given. They are intimately connected. You forgive because You are forgiven and if you refuse to forgive others, God will refuse to forgive you. Not words to take lightly.
PRAY: that the Spirit shows you how deeply you are forgiven.

TUESDAY:

Ephesains 4:31

THINK: Think about that list for a moment. Would you rather be bitter and angry or be released from those feelings? The call of a Christian life is a call to live in the way that is best for you. In the same way, forgiving is your best life. Would you rather hold on to frustration, hurt, and vengeance, or be released from them? Forgive… Again.
PRAY: that God would root out any bitter or vengeful thoughts.

WEDNESDAY:

Colossians 3:13

THINK: Doesn’t a life with allowances sound good? It is a life where brokenness is known and sin is expected. The people around you have faults and so do you. Forgive… Again means that there is space to mess up, screw up, and to be faulty. Yes, we work towards perfection; but your spouse, your church, your kids, your friends, and yourself are all a work in progress.
PRAY: for those who rub you the wrong way.

THURSDAY:

THINK: You probably already suspected this, but Forgive…Again is not the same as “be a doormat” or “let people sin.” We are a community of people trying to live out God’s ways. When your fellow Christian wrongs you, don’t just ignore it. Speak the Truth With Love to them about it; and if they repent and ask forgiveness, Forgive…Again.
PRAY: that God would help you forgive.

FRIDAY:

THINK: Aren’t you glad God remembers your sin’s no more? As a kid, we learned “Forgive and Forget,” yet somewhere along the way that sounded like letting people off too easy. When you Forgive… Again debts are not crossed out to be referred to later. They are blotted out as if they never existed.
PRAY: the Spirit would give you a short memory for debts.

SATURDAY:

Colossians 1:13-14

THINK: Without forgiveness, there is darkness. Without forgiveness, there is only the old you trapped in sin and moving towards death. What a joy it is that you are freed from that darkness. You live in the new Kingdom, the Kingdom of Jesus. Its law isn’t “an eye for an eye.” It’s Forgive…Again.
PRAY: the Spirit would make forgiveness second nature to you.

Devotional Guides

SERIES ONE  Printable copy of Way #6 Devotionals (Small Group Guide)
 
SERIES TWO Printable copy of Way #6 Devotionals (Series Two)