Forgiveness Study Guide by Vivian Bailey

Forgiveness

LESSON ONE

“Forgiveness will not change the past but… It will heal the pain of the past And… Open the door to the future.” Anne Murchison

orgiveness is the soil of unconditional love and is the

heart of the Gospel.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

Understanding what it means to be forgiven 

True forgiveness comes from God thru faith in___ Christ___________________________________. Romans 3:21-24



Forgiveness is tied to redemption and righteousness.



Redemption means a debt has to be paid to gain what was lost____________________________. Psalms 49:7



Only God can redeem because the debt is to great______. Galatians 3:10-14



Righteousness means right standing before God__ and comes Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf______.



Forgiveness is canceling the debt/forgiving the___ transgression_____________________________. Colossians 2:13-15



Who stands condemned all (No one is righteous not one) and who condemns us? Satan is the accuser of the brethren________________________________________. Romans 8:11 & Revelations 12:1

Principle:

God’s forgiveness of us is tied to our forgiving each other Forgiving each other Ephesians 4:32 Matthew 17:21

Forgiving us all Colossians 3:13 Matthew 6

Forgive them Father Luke 23:34

LESSON TWO

The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:8-15 Key points: v10 Your will Lord be done v12 Forgive us our debts help us forgive others v13 Deliver from temptation (Satan) v14 All power is from God v15 If we don’t forgive we will not be forgiven

Manifestations of unforgiveness:  Depression  Anger  Anxiety  Stress  High Blood Pressure  Heart Attack  Diabetes  Weak Immune System  Broken Relationship  Conflict

Manifestations of forgiveness:  Feeling a great weight has been lifted  Better Sleep  Feel Better

Misbeliefs about Forgiveness:  We falsely believe that forgiveness is saying what happened is okay.  We can falsely believe the forgiveness is overlooking the offense.  We falsely believe that forgiveness means I can’t express my feelings.  We believe that unforgiveness give us control over another person.  Forgiveness means I have to have a close relationship with that person.  Forgiveness means there are no consequences for the wrong that has been done.  Forgiveness is weakness.

Questions to ask yourself: What manifestations of unforgiveness do I see in my life?

Which one of those misbeliefs applies to me?

What do I need to pray for today?

LESSON THREE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.â&#x20AC;? Sidney and Suzanne Silmone

The Power of Forgiveness If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

What percentage of the problems in the world today have their roots in unforgiveness?

What percentage of my problems, today, have to do with unforgiveness in my heart?

“we all come from scoundrels!” All of us sin and fall short Healing our Past—begins with forgiving our family

Honor your Father and Mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving to you. Exodus 20:12

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your Father and Mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go WELL with you and that you may enjoy a long life on earth. Ephesians 6:1

What’s the promise here? - That it may go well with us.

Principle:

Godly obedience brings us blessings Romans 1:5—Obedience

Romans 6:16—Slaves

of faith is fundamental

to sin

Satan’s plan Genesis 3:15—1st promise of a redeemer Romans 1:30-31—Haters of God Haters of Parents

The Comparison: God Probers 1:7—Basis

of what we know about God Proverbs 6:20-23—Forsake our parents

Solomon’s own son Proverbs 17:21—The Father of a fool finds no joy in his son

Satan Proverbs 20:20—Avoid

those who curse their Mother/Father Proverbs 30:17—Mock a Father/ scorn a Mother

Principle:

The consequences is transgenerational

Numbers 14:18—The

generations

sins of the fathers impact future

LESSON FOUR

A little bit of healing will go a long way to cure generational sin My father/mother is/was (negative aspects)

My father/mother is/was (positive aspects)



The blessing that comes from honoring our earthly parents is Live Long—Prosper______________________________.



The blessing is foundations to live and blessings from God____________________________________________.



Honoring our parents will give us greater ability to Honor God____________________________________________.



If any of us have a broken relationship with our parents, chances are we will have Broken relationships with our children_________________________________________.

Principle:

The issue of unforgiveness of ourselves is a spiritual one. 1 Peter 5:8—Be

on alert—Satan is prowling about.

2 Timothy 2:26—escape

Ephesians 4:27—Don’t

from the devils snares.

give the devil opportunity.

LESSON FIVE

“I don’t like ME. I really don’t like YOU! And… God is tired of us BOTH.” Chuck Jamison

If I don’t like me, I can’t really like anybody. Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:19

What is the key condition?

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, But love your neighbor as yourself. Leviticus 19:18

Principle:

Scripture does not speak directly to forgiving ourselves, but the principles are clear. Romans 8:1—No

condemnation-we are set free

Romans 8:30—He

calls, he justifies, he forgives…

It is a sin to not except God’s forgiveness!

What is my role in all of that? 1. Romans 8:31 If He’s for us, who’s against us? 2.

Romans 8:32

If He didn’t spare His own son...

Romans 8:33

Who can really bring charges against us?

Romans 8:34

Who justifies? Who condemns?

Romans 8:35

Who or what can separate us from God?

Steps to Healing 1. Acknowledge your emotional pain. 2. Forgiveness is your future and processing the pain, is the door. 3. Leave your pain at the feet of the father. Hebrews 2:14 4. Accept responsibility for your feelings 5. Don’t dwell about the person(s) who wronged us. 6. Let go of the anger and resentment in prayer 7. Welcome the opportunity for healing and growth.

LESSON FIVE LESSON SIX

“Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.” Max Lucato

Forgiveness Resources Conflicts arise from unmet desires in our hearts. When we don’t feel satisfied unless we have something we want or we need. The desire turns into a demand. If someone fails to meet that desire we condemn them in our hearts and quarrel over how to get our way. In short, conflict arises when desire grows into demands and we punish those who get in our way.

Principle:

Unforgiveness becomes an idol in our lives. The following are taken from Peacemakers Ministries website: www.peacemaker.net under “Resources” and “Getting to the Heart of the Conflict”

The “I’s” of Idolatry I Desire I Demand I Judge

I Punish

What is the replacement in our lives? (adoration and worship of the True God) Your Tool Box The Four G’s 1. Glorify God 2. Get the log out of your own eye. 3. Gently restore 4. Go and be reconciled.

The Seven A’s (A guide to making sincere and complete confession) 1. Address everyone involved (all whom you affected) 2. Avoid “if, but and maybe” (Do not try to excuse your wrongs) 3. Admit specifically (attitudes and actions) 4. Acknowledge the hurt (express sorrow for hurting someone) 5. Accept the consequences (such as making restitution) 6. Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions)

7. Ask for forgiveness

LESSON FIVE

Matthew 7:3-5; 1 John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13

The Four Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Promises of Forgiveness) 1. I will not dwell on this incident 2. I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you 3. I will not talk to others about this incident 4. I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship

BONUS LESSON

Our fellowship is with the Father and the son who takes away our sins. 1 John 1:6