This is a follow up to a previous post. In this offering I would like to explore HOW Mr. Watson’s seven statements about forgiveness become part of our life. Here are the seven elements he presents as evidence of forgiving others…
Resisting revenge…
Not returning evil for evil…
Wishing them well…
Grieving at their calamities…
Praying for their wellfare…
Seeking reconciliation (As much as it depends upon you)…
And coming to their aid when they’re in distress.
First, Ask God for help! As the dad exclaimed to Jesus, “I believe. Help my unbelief!“ so too this has to be our prayer if we’re to forgive. “God I want to forgive. Help me TO forgive!” The ability to implement the seven things about forgiveness are past our ability to do without God!
Second, Realize that if you forgive easily you have not been wounded deeply. In other words… forgiveness is not an easy thing to do, it takes effort.
Third, Accept that forgiveness is a process… not an event. Forgiving others and seeing those seven things present in your life will take time.
Fourth, Meditate hard on how God has forgiven you in Christ. Think about how much mercy and grace God has shown to you. Remember what you actually do deserve because of your sin. This step is probably the most important.
Fifth, Reflect upon passages dealing with forgiveness…
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:32)
If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Mt 5:23-24)
Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Mt 5:39)
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. (Mt 5:44-45)
If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their sins, neither will your Father forgive your sins. (Mt 6:14-15)
Last, realize that not to forgive means you are drinking poison hoping the other person will die.