The Process of Forgiveness

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm103:12

An unforgiving spirit is a malignancy in a person’s soul that spreads like cancer. Yet the Father offers a sure healing process for the heart that is consumed with bitterness:

Repentance: Assume responsibility for your unforgiving spirit and ask God to pardon you for your resentment. You must also forgive the person who offended you.

Release: Forgo any expectation you have of restitution, even if you feel the person owes you something.

Recognition: Acknowledge that the person’s wrongdoing toward you was not just hurtful or offensive, but that the behavior ultimately grieved God. The Lord is the One who will judge the offense and you keep trust Him to vindicate you.

Remembrance: Recall how often God forgives you.

Friend, you can not truly experience the joy of God’s forgiveness until you follow His model and pardon those who’ve wronged you. Do not allow the cancer of bitterness to continue in your heart. Life is much sweeter when the heart is tender and not tainted.

Lord, thank You for Your gift of forgiveness. Help me always to extend it to others, amen.

In his presence…seek to have a tender, forgiving heart.

EVERY DAY IN HIS PRESENCE, CHARLES F. STANLEY