Read and look up the verses listed in this section below.
1. There are three shocking truths about forgiveness.
A. God takes the issue of forgiveness seriously. We can open the door to bondage and torture when we do not forgive (Ephesians 4:26–27). We are also affected physically, emotionally, and spiritually, which can lead to oppression and deception.
B. Unforgiveness is petty from God’s perspective (Matthew 6:15). Forgiveness is conditional. Remember the story of the unforgiving servant. God cannot forgive or heal us when we are unforgiving.
C. God perceives the issue of forgiveness differently than we do. (Psalm 103:8–14).
2. Understanding the meaning of forgiveness.
A. Permanently forgiving all debt and bringing the balance to zero. Although the Master forgives, someone has to take the consequence. Jesus took the consequence and paid our debt.
B. Permanently forfeiting the right of reproach. Once I forgive, it should be over and not stirred up again.
C. Permanently forgoing all expressions of private and public judgment. God is the judge. I am not to talk about or label that person. It does not mean that I cannot protect myself (Matthew 10:16), that I cannot confront that person, that there will not be punishment or consequences, or that I cannot seek legal or police protection (Romans 13:1–5).
3. How to forgive from the heart.
A. We must remember that our sins cost Jesus His life. Do not forget Jesus’ sacrifice. We deserve judgment, but Jesus died in our place. Our sins placed Him on that cross.
B. We must remember that God loves an offender as much as He loves us. We are not to devalue or label this person, whether a Christian or not.
C. We must permanently release their debt to us and release their judgment to God. Just as God forgives our sins, we are to have a zero balance in reproach and judgment toward this person.
D. We must bless and pray for them. Although it is hard to pray and ask God to bless our offender, that is what He tells us to do (Luke 6:28).
E. We must resist Satan. We are not to go to bed angry, rehearse the offense and hurts every day, or use other justifications for the offense. The devil will always try to incite us, but do not give him a foothold!