Life’s Obstacles

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

the journey of forgiveness with now? Call to faith: Who do you need to begin the journey of forgiveness with now? Is it yourself? Someone else? A group of people?

Forgiveness is not what we do after the pain is gone, but rather the first step leading us away from the pain. Anonymous

Amish School Shooting October 2, 2006

The Journey of Forgiveness

The Journey of Forgiveness Step 1 - name the sin

Forgiveness means admitting that what was done was wrong and should not be repeated.

The Journey of Forgiveness Step 1 - name the sin Acknowledge the

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” Matthew 21:12-13

The Journey of Forgiveness Step 1 - name the sin Acknowledge the anger

Scholars who study forgiveness often make the distinction between anger, the first response to hurt, and resentment, continually “re-feeling the original anger.” The Amish make the same distinction.

The Journey of Forgiveness Step 1 - name the sin Acknowledge the anger betrayal

And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34

The Journey of Forgiveness Step 1 - name the sin Acknowledge the anger betrayal senselessness

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19:41-44

The Journey of Forgiveness Step 1 - name the sin Acknowledge the anger betrayal senselessness

Jesus wept. John 11:35

The Journey of Forgiveness Step 1 - name the sin Acknowledge the anger betrayal senselessness sadness

Step 1

the journey of forgiveness with now? Call to faith: Who do you need to begin the journey of forgiveness with now? Is it yourself? Someone else? A group of people?