Summary

Forgiveness is the decision to release someone from the debt/obligation that resulted when they injured me. Unforgiveness is the decision to regularly return to, review, and re-live the moment of injury. Unforgiveness in ANY relationship will cause pain in EVERY relationship. Ephesians 4:31-32 Forgiving "as God in Christ forgave you" is TOTAL (amount), IMMEDIATE (when), and UNILATERAL (who). Mark 11:25 What is removed when we forgive like this? Bitterness- uncontrollable negativity Anger- explosions of emotion Rage- Stoking the fire of anger Brawling- Ready for a fight Slander- quick to tear another down Malice- ill-will towards another What does forgiveness produce? Kindness-- Soul warmth exemplified in tangible action Compassion-- Readiness to feel the pain of another. An open spirit and heart towards them. The forgiven person must make the choice to forgive. We must make the DECISION today. We must embrace the PROCESS everyday. What is the process? I won't bring it up to them anymore. I won't bring it up to others anymore. I won't bring it up to myself anymore.