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<\/a><\/p>\nHow much or how many times do we have to forgive?\u00a0 Let\u2019s take a look at the story where Peter asked Jesus the same question.\u00a0 Jesus told Peter about the story of the man who owed the king a large sum of money.\u00a0 The king wanted to settle the account, but the man could not pay. The king showed compassion and forgave the man\u2019s debt.\u00a0 This same man went out to someone who owed him money, much less of a\u00a0sum than what he owed the king, and tried to choke the man, demanding he pay up.\u00a0 <\/b>\u201cThis is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart<\/b>\u201d Matthew 18:35<\/b>.\u00a0 Those may seem like harsh words; however, having unforgiveness in our hearts hinders our relationship with God and others.\u00a0 When you think about it, that then hinders our following the first two commandments: Love God, love others.<\/p>\n
So, let\u2019s review the week:<\/p>\n
Monday<\/i><\/strong>:<\/strong> We discussed the three reasons why we should forgive others. Because God has forgiven you, because resentment doesn\u2019t work and because you\u2019ll need forgiveness in the future.\u00a0 That through our accepting the fact that Jesus came to earth, suffered and died on the cross for our sins and was raised to sit with our Father, we then have to believe He said, \u201cIt is finished.\u201d\u00a0 Meaning it is finished for each one of us.\u00a0 We do not need to worry, carry resentments of others or unforgiveness in our hearts!\u00a0 We can let go and let God!!\u00a0 Imagine the peace and freedom that comes with that.<\/p>\n Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Tuesday<\/i>:<\/strong> Leslie talked with us about the 3 R\u2019s in the book: reveal your hurt, release the offender, and replace your hurt with God\u2019s peace.\u00a0 To reveal our hurt is the easy part, but release the offender?\u00a0 As Leslie said, \u201cYeah right, I need to forgive someone who hurt me so badly? They are the ones who had broken my heart in so many ways and did not care at all about it, why should I forgive them?\u201d\u00a0 How exactly do we do that?\u00a0 We have to love our enemies, pray for them, and bless them.\u00a0 Finally, we have to turn it over to God.\u00a0 By doing so, He will help us to forgive and love them.<\/p>\n With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God. Wednesday: <\/i><\/strong>Kim discussed how we must stop looking inward and start looking upward.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been about us for so long. It\u2019s time that it is about someone else or Someone Else. It\u2019s time our lives reflect Whose we are.\u201d\u00a0 Yes it is.\u00a0 We need to spend time in prayer and ask God to show us who we need to make amends with and how we make those amends \u2013 whether in person, via letter, or the \u2018empty chair.\u2019\u00a0 Our hurts, resentments, and sins are in the past; aren\u2019t you ready to leave them there? Love this: Freedom is yours. Let Him lead you into deliverance. You\u2019ve changed from victim to victor!!<\/p>\n Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. Thursday:<\/strong> <\/i>Amy takes us into praying, writing, and sharing about what we have worked through so far.\u00a0 By asking God to help us both forgive those who have hurt us and make amends to others, we will find freedom because He will guide us in releasing the resentments we have built up for so long.\u00a0 Writing about these issues helps us see them as real.\u00a0 It helps you see your responsibility clearly when you write them down and review.\u00a0 Finally share about it.\u00a0 It is very important for you to share your inventory with a trusted accountability partner.\u00a0 This will help you develop a safe plan in making your amends or offering forgiveness.\u00a0 One thing to remember when making amends or offering forgiveness is that your part is to take your forgiveness or amends to the person.\u00a0 You cannot control their response.\u00a0 Freedom comes when we step out in faith to free our hearts from the hurts or offenses we have had.\u00a0 God will honor that, and give you peace and freedom.<\/p>\n This step is vital in the peace and freedom God has to offer each one of us.\u00a0 I know I keep saying this but He does want to give us the desires of our hearts and in abundance.<\/p>\n The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, <\/b>to all who call on him in truth.\u00a0 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalms 145:17-19<\/b><\/p>\n ____________________________<\/p>\n Let\u2019s Pray:\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n Father, we are so thankful for the grace and love You have given to each one of us.\u00a0 You are an amazing God and we give You all the honor in what You have done in our lives.\u00a0 Lord, we are asking now that You lead us through this step of offering forgiveness and making amends.\u00a0 Help us to forgive those we need to and let go of the resentments we have held onto.\u00a0 Give us the words to say when we make amends to those we have hurt. Father, I ask that You also heal those we have hurt and go before us in making a way for reconciliation.\u00a0 Heal the hurt hearts of each one reading this, Lord, and give peace and freedom in their life.\u00a0 We do love You, Lord, and stand in awe of what You have done and what You are about to do.\u00a0 In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!<\/p>\n Your Assignment: \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Continue praying that God will guide you in offering forgiveness and making amends in a manner that will give freedom to you and those you speak with.\u00a0 If you have made amends and would be comfortable, please share your comments below.\u00a0 Pray for all those in this study as we take these steps together.<\/p>\n ____________________________<\/p>\n
\nRomans 8:1<\/b><\/p>\n
\nMark 10:27 <\/b><\/p>\n
\nHebrews 12:14, 15<\/b><\/p>\n