Review:
At some point in life you will be confronted with the difficult task of forgiving someone you once felt close to. And because there are no exceptions let me suggest 3 steps you can take to get started.
I: Cultivating a Heart of Forgiveness!!!
Deepen your understanding of God’s forgiveness through Bible study and meditation:
“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 (NLT)
II: Steps to Forgiveness
1. First, realize that forgiveness is risky. Even your repentant family member is very likely to fail again, perhaps in the same area.
2. Second, rely on God. Cry out to the Lord, “ And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (KJV)
III. What If Forgiveness Can’t Be Had?
If you want to make things right with someone you’ve hurt, but they are unavailable, allow God’s forgiveness to suffice. Trust Him to intervene on your behalf to ease any heartache you have caused. It may help to confess your sin to a trusted friend.
If the person is available but refuses to forgive you, ask yourself, Does their refusal indicate that I haven't genuinely repented? Test yourself by the standards found in 2 Corinthians 7:8-11. If genuine, then God’s forgiveness is sufficient. Realize, too, that forgiveness can be a process. They may need time to be willing to forgive.
God Bless!
Dr. SNT
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