Matthew 6:9-15
9 "This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Scripture clearly teaches that we are to forgive those who hurt us. So let's identify practical ways to confront the matter of unforgiveness head-on. You may want to keep this list in your Bible or close by for easy review.
1. Take it seriously. Unforgiveness is a major issue that shouldn't be casually dismissed.
2. Assume full responsibility. Don't blame anyone else for your feelings and actions.
3. Confess it honestly. Be specific and direct with God about what you feel, and acknowledge that unforgiveness is sin. Don't "soften" the matter or let yourself off the hook (don't pretend it's no big deal to remain in unforgiveness).
4. Lay down your anger. Unless you deal with your resentment, bitterness can re-enter your life later on.
5. Pray for the other person. This may feel impossible and unnatural, but do it anyway. Praying is a choice to act lovingly, regardless of how you are treated. This will impact your entire relationship.
6. Ask that individual to forgive you. If the other person knows that you've been harboring bitterness, you need to ask for his or her forgiveness.
7. Do something nice for that person. Let a loving gesture demonstrate your desire to restore the relationship.
8. Don't allow Satan to throw you back into unforgiveness. Once the matter is resolved, watch out for stray thoughts that could stir up memories of how the other person hurt you.
This process isn't easy, but it works. If you go through these steps every time you are hurt, God will truly work miracles in your relationships.
This message has been brought to you by In Touch Ministries by Pastor Charles Stanley.
