MEMORY VERSE: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against any:even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 50:17-20
INTRODUCTION
Forgiveness involves an intentional decision to put aside feelings or resentment, anger, and revenge toward someone who has committed a wrong, been unfair or otherwise hurt you in some way. Many find it hard to forgive those who have offended them. Some believers even say that it is when they get to heaven before they can forgive. However, the Bible makes it clear that those who refuses to forgive men, will not be forgiven by God too Matthew 6:14-15. Therefore, it is important for us to understand why believers must practice forgiveness and learn to achieve it.
OUTLINE
1. REASONS CHRISTIANS SHOULD FORGIVE
2. ACHIEVING TRUE FORGIVENESS
1. REASONS CHRISTIANS SHOULD FORGIVE
One of the fundamental obligations of a christian is to follow peace with all men Hebrews 12:14-15. So as christians, we should not only forgive but we should heal Genesis 45:1-15; 50:15-21. The major reasons we are to do this are because:
- It is a command Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32.
- We are the light of the world. We are a living example that they follow and watch consistently Matthew 5:14-16.
- God is angry with the unforgiving Matthew 18:32-35; Colossians 3:6-8.
- Lack of forgiveness can hinder prayers Mark 11:25.
- We all need to be forgiven Matthew 6:14.
2. ACHIEVING TRUE FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness can help prevent depression, anxiety, high-blood pressure and hostility Romans 12:18. It boosts self-esteem and brings peace of mind Psalm 32:1-5; Hebrews 12:15b. To forgive, we can adopt the programme known as REACH model. REACH stands for Recall, Empathize, Altruistic gift, Commit and Hold.
Recall: To achieve forgiveness, you must first be objective in understanding clearly the wrong done to you. It is not to wallow in self- pity or to hold grudge against the offender Genesis 45:4.
Empathize: Being objective will also help you to see from the offender’s point of view, why he or she did what was done. But without downplaying the wrong that was done Genesis 37:8, 19-21; 50:20a.
Altruistic gift: At this stage, the offended can remember their own shortcomings and how they were forgiven. He then realizes that forgiveness is a gift that we all need at one point or the other Colossians 3:13.
Commit: To commit is to make public (share) your decision to forgive with an accountability partner who can put a check on you. Apostle Paul wrote publicly about his commitment to always have a clear conscience Acts 24:16.
Hold: At the final stage of this model, the offended must be determined to see to it that his decision to forgive is realised. This is tough because memories of the event will often reoccur. When the feeling of hurt arises, you must remind yourself that you have forgiven and ultimately, you want the good of the offender Genesis 50:17-20.
CONCLUSION
True forgiveness may not come cheap, but its benefits outweigh the pain. Learn to forgive.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Mark 11:25
MON:Romans 14:19
TUE: Matthew 5:44
WED: 1 Thessalonians 5:15
THUR: Romans 12:16
FRI: 1 Corinthians 1:10
SAT: Acts 7:60