Forgiveness Is Not Going Through the Motions = John 6:63 says, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that i have spoken to you are spirit and are life." There is nothing more healing to a damaged soul than forgiveness. It is God through the Spirit who gives us the freedom of true forgiveness - you will profit nothing.
Forgiveness Is Not Forgetting = True Forgiveness is not forgetting. Phil. 3:13, which involves letting go of the pain - being freed from hate, fear, and bitterness.
Forgiveness Is Not Denial = When Jesus hung on the cross, He died for every sin you and i will ever commit. 2nd Corinthians 5:21 says, "Oh, they really aren't that bad." No, He was deeply and completely acquainted with our wretchedness. That was the only way He could forgive us for everything.
Forgiveness Is Not an Emotion = Forgiveness is not an action we take without agony of the soul. Forgiveness begins as a decision to trust God, rather than as a desire or feeling of waiting to be close to the person who has offended me.
Forgiveness Is Not Reconciliation = Reconciliation can only be experienced when offering parties are willing to admit their actions.
Forgiveness Is Not Being Revictimized = True forgiveness cleanses our hearts of the damage caused by an offense. In the process of forgiveness, we realize the need for boundaries - decisions we make about our relationship from being unhealthy, that prevent us from being revictimized. Boundaries are knowing what we are responsible for.
Question:
1. Who has hurt you most deeply?
2. Do you feel you have forgiven that person?
3. Did you recognize yourself in any of the characteristics of false forgiveness?
