What is forgiveness? It’s a word we hear and maybe even use often, but when you look at its true meaning, it begins to take a bit of a different shape. It’s not easy extending mercy to those who have harmed us, especially if they never deserved it. It’s a big topic, but we’re going to dive in today and talk about the goodness that is surrounded by forgiveness, not only for the person who has hurt you but for you directly. Join in on the conversation as we break down this concept of forgiveness and the goodness that is only possible through Jesus. [00:01 - 05:06] Opening Segment Welcome back with me, Suzi, and Stephanie Reminder to email us with your questions info@warriorsariseministry.org Forgiveness The definition of forgiveness All about goodness Extending mercy to those who hurt us and who don’t deserve it, ouch! The goodness of forgiveness One God’s biggest gifts What could happen? The challenges of this topic The challenge of swallowing your pride How easy it is to hold a grudge
[05:07 - 13:28] Forgiveness: Where to Start Suzi talks about her story around forgiveness and the lessons learned The journey Keeping yourself in a prison Forgiving doesn’t excuse the offense Healing for yourself Cutting off the stronghold We are forgiven The choice that’s involved Forgive until it’s let go Stephanie shares a story of her friend A father forgiving his son’s murderer It takes a lot, but it is possible
[13:29 - 23:34] A Gift We Never Deserved; Flex Your Forgiveness Remembering how you are forgiven Forgiven by Jesus Sometimes we are the ones who need to be forgiven by others How to go about asking forgiveness Swallowing your pride Battling against the bitter root The practice of forgiveness Seek out who you can actively forgive daily The effects of a grudge It can deceptively feel good Don’t sit in ‘justified’ anger Remember it’s a choice 70x7 Think outside the box Groups outside your personal circle Even the church It’s time to reconnect
[23:04 - 29:54] Closing Segment Practical steps to outwork forgiveness Visualisation exercises Looking at people as a child Remove the sin from the sinner Self-discipline Pray for the person Even pray for the strength to pray Bring your mind back to what Christ did for you Seek counseling and work out the trauma Reach out to us info@warriorsariseministry.org Share this with others Links below Subscribe to and share this podcast Share your stories with us! Final Words
Tweetable Quotes: “I was only keeping myself, prisoner, by holding onto those offenses.” - Suzi Hanson “Forgiveness is a choice and you have to choose to lay that down, and you may have to do that many times a day… the more you do that over time, the longer and longer you leave it set down.” - Suzi Hanson “Once I realize what Jesus did for me, like really did for me, how can I hold on because you hurt my feelings?” - Stephanie Reed
Resources Mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-our-words/id1546661228?i=1000512074252 (The Power of Our Words) Matthew 18:21-22
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