The Habit of Forgiveness
February 16, 2025
Forgiveness is not a natural response to being hurt or disappointed, but when we are unwilling to accept or give forgiveness we stay chained and bound to the past. How do we practice what can seem humanly impossible to do?
READ
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
REFLECT
1. What have you experienced in your life that has caused you deep pain and left unhealed wounds? Is there someone you need to forgive?
2. Why do we withhold forgiveness from those who have hurt us even long after they are no longer in our lives? Are you being held hostage by unforgiveness?
3. Who is the hardest person for you to forgive? If you find that you are not ready to forgive, are you willing to be made willing to forgive?
RESPOND
1. We all hold onto pain, blame, anger, and hurt. Take time to notice what you hold onto and release it to God.
2. Ask God to bring to mind someone you need to ask forgiveness from. Write, call, or visit with them to ask for their forgiveness.
3. Ask God to bring to mind someone you need to forgive. Choose to release your need to receive something from them so you can be free and start to heal. If you are not ready to forgive, choose to be willing to be made willing.
4. Ask God to bring to mind someone you know who is struggling to forgive. Share the gift of your love and encourage them to choose to forgive and to be set free.