Is this where we find ourself each day? Is our life haunting us? Sometimes no matter where we are today, our past, our yesterdays or our years ago seem to crop up in our thoughts and sometimes in our actions because we never truly dealt with the “burdens of unforgiveness” that are buried in the crevices of our heart. The memories are always near the surface.
Do you know what the word burden means? Websters defines it as something that is carried, a load, something oppressive or worrisome. Priscilla describes it on Pg. 137 as something that weighs you down, it sits on you, restricts you from enjoying the new phases/freedoms that each season of life brings your way.
This is exactly what unforgiveness does in our life. It brings a burden upon us. It forces us to stay one dimensional. It keeps us repeating the same things round and round in circles and never allows us to move past “that place” because we can’t or won’t get rid of unforgiveness within us.
Why do we want to hold on to unforgiveness? Is it because we still want others to know we haven’t forgotten the hurt they caused us? I don’t know the answer to that question for everyone but each of us could answer it for ourselves. Maybe part of the reason is pride, maybe we feel if we forgive that person we are saying that person had the right to do wrong to me. Does that really matter anymore? Don’t we want freedom from it? After all we are the ones who are miserable from it not them.
Our lesson today has taught us three ways that forgiveness is reached through a combination of actions:
- We must refuse to store up or harbor grudges–don’t hold a debt over someones head or keep records of their wrongdoings-clear the decks and stop counting.
- We must leave room for God to act on our behalf —refuse the urge to retaliate, trust God to handle the issues.
- We must pray—pray for God to empower you to forgive, you can’t do it on your own strength.
I want to expand a little more on why we should forgive.
- Forgiveness is a pleasurable experience—did you know God designed forgiveness as a powerful blessing for us who have been hurt-did you know truly forgiving others can make us “more happy” than if we’d never been hurt.
- Forgiveness removes us from being entangled in the thing that hurt us—it sets us free from being bogged down or carrying baggage around-it gives us a terrific feeling-it helps us understand how God feels when He forgives us.
- Forgiveness allows us to open our self to the spectacular possibilities for a happy life-to open the curtain on what was dark and hurting to light and life and peace—aren’t we ready for some peace?
- Forgiveness allows us to LOVE again—to love and be loved—forgiveness is tough – but love is more valuable than the pain of unforgiveness.
- Forgiveness will set a prisoner free and we will discover that prisoner is us.
Let’s FORGIVE and leave all the rest to God to deal with.
Instead of continuing to re-hash old wounds/old hurts, instead of going around in circles let’s come full circle and do as God’s Word instructs us:
Colossians 3:13 “Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.
We learned in this lesson that being a woman resolved to forgive can do the following: save friendships, rescue marriages, restore relationships, rebuild lives, refurbish businesses, help us to regain our very own self, allow us to live FREELY, LOVINGLY and WITH JOY! — This is the mission of this resolution, this is its purpose, for us to offer and extend “forgiveness” just as He has so wonderfully, abundantly and outlandishly poured out “forgiveness” for each of us.
- Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, not something you do for someone else.
- To refuse to forgive means you are choosing to remain the victim – the hurts won’t heal until you forgive.
*****Let’s resolve to be forgiven as well as forgive*****
Your assignment: As you move forward with answering the questions in your study on Pg. 143 to be able to sign your resolution for this week – please take note that this is a journey that may take time and some counsel even – be willing to seek help so you fully understand and experience the benefits that “forgiveness” is designed to give and when you are ready (prayed up and committed) sign your name in the resolution box.
Let’s Pray: Thank you Lord for your special gift of “forgiveness”, help us not to continue going in circles in this path of unforgiveness but help us to release all that we are holding onto so we can begin to experience the freedom that “forgiveness” brings.
Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!! I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!! If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to: GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!
Love to all,
Beverly
Read all about Craig’s Resolution for Men Journey here:www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com