Forgiving – is it worth it? Digging Deeper BBC 16 th September 2007

We are forgiven only.. “Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Give us today our daily bread Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” Matthew 6:9-16

.. if we forgive ‘love your enemies expect nothing in return and your reward will be great…and you will be pardoned’ Luke ‘He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself’ Luke 10:27 Parable of the unforgiving servant Matthew

In unforgiveness – we.. are haunted by hurt attempt to bury the pain take revenge kid ourselves allow a root of bitterness to develop damage our relationship with God

Forgiveness is not.. saying the wrong that was done was not important putting the past behind us reversing or cancelling the same as reconciliation an instant analgesic something weak people do always a single event a reason to stay in a hurtful situation

Forgiveness is.. an act of will settling accounts releasing someone from their debt to you powerful possible…

Often the toughest challenges are.. to seek forgiveness ourselves to forgive ourselves

How to do it Prepare to do business with God Count the cost Have mercy Ask god to forgive your unforgiveness Forgive and release Pray for healing, with others if it helps

Then.. Live it Seek Gods help Stop rehearsing Don’t rely on feelings Bless those who have hurt you Pray with others

What about you? Who do you need to forgive? What do you need to forgive yourself for? Do you want to know freedom from the bondage that comes with unforgiveness? How can we not forgive when we see what God did for us in order that we might be forgiven? What action will you take?

You hold the key Anne Gear You’ve made for yourself a prison of pain The bars are your hate, and revenge forms your chain I've felt every tear that you’ve ever shed And I’m willing to free you and carry you instead I am the door through which freedom is found but you’ve got the key to walk free or stay bound. The cost is forgiveness – of all who hurt you but the prize is my wholeness - a life that’s brand new. You see, my dear child, it’s not what folk do It’s your reaction to them that damages you. Stop blaming others – that’s where you start cos the root of your healing is accepting your part Your feelings of forgiveness might be totally nil but it’s obedience I’m after – an act of your will. I made your emotions – wholesome and good but they’re damaged at present – don’t work as they should Through your act of forgiveness my healings released I’ll transform your emotions and replace pain with peace. Bur allow yourself time for your wounds to be healed for by forgiveness and love, your healing is sealed.