The Freedom of Forgiveness – Forgiveness Part 11

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Ephesians 1, 4 (Click Link)

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins…therefore…31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 1:7; 4:31-32 NLT)

The Freedom of Forgiveness

  • Imagine not having to feel guilt or shame in the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit.
  • Imagine going to our Father in prayer and asking him to examine every part of your heart without fearing what he will find and reveal to you.
  • Imagine not feeling that twist in your gut when someone’s name is mentioned or you hear the sound of their voice, because you haven’t forgiven them.
  • Imagine never having to avoid eye contact with someone who hurt you because you’re living a grudge-free life.
  • Imagine the Grace of Total Forgiveness!

Forgiving quickly means you spend less time in the prison of unforgiveness!

  • Jesus forgave his killers while they were still killing him!

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NLT)

  • Stephen forgave his killers as he breathed his last breath!

He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. (Acts 7:60 NLT)

  • I know, friends, that’s off-the-charts radical forgiveness! But work on this with me, OK? Let’s unlock the prison of unforgiveness and walk free now!

Forgiving and Forgetting – When your mind has a mind of its own, replaying the old hurts and offences: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

If you’ll proactively forgive, God will help you retroactively forget!

Prayer:

Father, Thanks for the firm but gentle conviction of your Holy Spirit as we’ve worked on Forgiveness. Thanks for forgiving us, now help us live free of guilt and shame and free of offenses and grudges! We say “Yes!” to the Freedom of Forgiveness! Amen!