The Bible Speaks - Words of Inspiration - Forgiveness

[00:00:00] Let us pray, bread together on our knees

[00:00:07] Let us pray, bread together on our knees

[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun

[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the need

[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock

[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International

[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's Word

[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast

[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin

[00:00:46] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

[00:00:52] To another edition of Words of Inspiration

[00:00:55] And today we are going to have a discussion on the topic of forgiveness

[00:01:01] Our spiritual inspiration comes from Mark 11, verse 25

[00:01:08] Reading from the New International version it reads

[00:01:12] And when do you stand praying if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them

[00:01:19] So that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins

[00:01:24] During our prayer time, we ask God for forgiveness

[00:01:27] But do we offer the same amount of grace to those we feel have done us wrong?

[00:01:32] In Matthew 22, verses 36-40 we read

[00:01:38] Teacher, which is the greatest commandments in the law?

[00:01:42] Jesus replied

[00:01:43] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind

[00:01:50] This is the first and greatest commandment

[00:01:53] And the second is like it

[00:01:55] Love your neighbor as yourself

[00:01:58] All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments

[00:02:03] Jesus is saying that everything we've learned through studying the Word

[00:02:08] Listening to sermons and through inspiration of the Holy Spirit

[00:02:12] Is built around loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves

[00:02:17] This directive to love your neighbor as yourself suggests that loving oneself is not only natural but also necessary

[00:02:26] It is the baseline for how we are expected to treat others

[00:02:31] If you do not have a healthy respect or care for yourself

[00:02:35] It becomes challenging to extend genuine love and care to others

[00:02:41] This form of self-love means acknowledging the worth given to you by God

[00:02:46] And caring for yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually

[00:02:51] So how do we forgive?

[00:02:53] Here are a few ways to practice forgiveness

[00:02:57] The first step in forgiveness is to honestly acknowledge the hurt and pain caused by the other person

[00:03:04] It's important to recognize and validate your feelings rather than suppress them

[00:03:10] This does not mean dwelling on hurt, but rather accepting that it happened and how it affected you

[00:03:17] Understand the nature of forgiveness

[00:03:20] Forgiveness is a decision to release the other person from the debt they owe you due to their offense

[00:03:27] It does not mean condoning the action, forgetting it happened or excusing any consequences that might follow

[00:03:35] Rather, it means relinquishing your right to hold offense against them

[00:03:40] As God has forgiven your offenses found in Colossians 3 verse 13

[00:03:48] Make allowance for each other's fault and forgive anyone who offends you

[00:03:53] Remember the Lord forgave you so you must forgive others

[00:03:58] Pray for strength and compassion

[00:04:01] Forgiveness can be very difficult, especially when the hurt is deep

[00:04:06] Praying for the strength to forgive and for the compassion towards the person who hurt you can be helpful

[00:04:13] Praying for the offender as Jesus instructed

[00:04:17] Pray for those who mistreat you in Luke 6 and 28

[00:04:21] Can also soften your heart and change your perspective towards them

[00:04:26] Choose to forgive

[00:04:29] Forgiveness is often a choice rather than a feeling

[00:04:33] Making a conscious decision to forgive sometimes repeatedly can be necessary

[00:04:40] It might help to formally express your forgiveness whether directly to the person if possible

[00:04:46] Or through a symbolic act like writing a letter that you don't set

[00:04:50] Seek reconciliation if possible

[00:04:54] While forgiveness is a personal act, reconciliation involves both parties and may not always be possible or advisable

[00:05:02] Especially in cases of abuse or where there's potential for harm

[00:05:07] However, if safe and feasible, restoration of the relationship can be a powerful testament to the power of forgiveness and grace

[00:05:16] Allow time for healing

[00:05:20] Forgiveness does not mean the pain disappears instantly

[00:05:24] Emotionally, healing takes time and feelings of hurt may resurface even after you're forgiven

[00:05:32] But be patient with yourself and allow the healing process to unfold

[00:05:38] Continually surrendering your pain to God

[00:05:41] And finally, seek support

[00:05:44] Sometimes the act of forgiving can be too difficult to manage on your own

[00:05:49] Particularly in cases of severe betrayal or trauma

[00:05:53] In such situations, seeking support from trusted friends, church leaders, or a professional counselor can be crucial

[00:06:02] Brothers and sisters, forgiveness is a vital part of the Christian faith

[00:06:07] And while challenging, it can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth

[00:06:12] It is an expression of mercy and grace that God has shown us

[00:06:16] Intended to free not just the person who is forgiven, but also the forgiver from the corrosive effects of holding on to anger and resentment

[00:06:28] I thank you once again for joining me on today

[00:06:31] And I look forward to our discussion on tomorrow

[00:06:34] Until then, God bless

[00:06:45] This program is cared for by listeners who care

[00:06:50] Your prayers and financial investment in this ministry helps to keep the good news on the air

[00:06:56] We look forward to hearing from you and invite you to write us at Harvest International

[00:07:01] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:07:07] Again, that's Harvest International

[00:07:10] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478