Forgiveness: How?

Forgiveness: How?

Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not mean that you gloss over or deny the seriousness of an offense against you. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning or excusing offenses.  However if you have truly forgiven someone you will release the other from blame, leaving the event in God's hands, and move on.

Forgiveness is vital to our spiritual, physical and emotional health.  Depending upon God to give us the ability to forgive is vital.  We cannot forgive without the help of our creator God.  So how do I forgive?  Jesus tells us: First that forgiveness is done by prayer. Matthew 11:25 says “and when you stand praying, forgive, so that your heavenly father will forgive you.”

                                                                                  No prayer = No forgiveness                     

Secondly you must love those who have hurt you.  This is done by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.” Romans 5:5 

                                                                                    No Holy Spirit = No forgiveness     

Prayer and the Holy Spirit are the two ingredients to forgiveness.  Begin your journey to forgiveness today by having a fervent prayer life and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.