Today Linda from A 2nd Cup of Coffee led the discussion at the Internet Cafe.
Linda shared about a difficult relationship with one of her family members and how she avoids this person until family gatherings at Christmas.
1. Are you able to see conflict as a scheme of the Devil whose goal is to thwart Jesus’ prayer in John 17?
2. What is the most challenging part of forgiving someone?
3. What are the results of holding grudges, keeping score and avoiding someone on our spiritual and physical selves?
4. What results are possible if we move toward reconciliation even if the other person is not receptive?
Forgiveness should be freely given, but for some reason it is a real stumbling block to many believers. It has taken years of healing in my life to get me to the place where I could truly forgive. Does it mean Satan never tries to remind me of what someone did to me? NO. He will even try to convince me that I haven’t forgiven since I am reminded of the “offense” against me. But I have CHOSEN to release others. It really is a choice.
I remember the day God truly got through to me about holding grudges or offense in my heart. When we see what Jesus endured and HE was INNOCENT … we definitely don’t have a platform to stand on. None of us are innocent. All of us have sinned.
If what Jesus did for us isn’t enough to shake us out of our prideful state, then this certainly should:
Luke 6:37-38
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
That spells it out doesn’t it? So often we focus on God’s love, which is true and greater than we can imagine. But there are always consequences for sin that isn’t covered in blood.
Hebrews 9:22
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
I also learned that when I didn’t forgive someone, it truly held ME in bondage. It was an open door for demonic attack.
If you have anything against anyone right now, please cry out to God to help you forgive. Confess with your mouth that you are CHOOSING to forgive this person (even if your feelings aren’t there yet).
I personally recommend a great book entitled “The Bait of Satan” by John Bevere. It really helped put things in perspective.
To see what Linda had to say — visit the Cafe. She saved a seat for you:
What an interesting topic!
I just completed reading Linda's blog and took a seat in the cafe to read the rest….and came back to my dashboard to find your blog complimented it! I think someone's sending me a message. (Although I easily forgive-I often wonder if I'm easily forgiveable…….)
Hi Beth,
Thank you for your comments left for me to see. I'm not sure why comments can't be left on my blog, but I made some changes after seeing your comment so hopefully it will work now! Thank you for your prayers and for caring!
annb
Thanks for making me 'think' about a lot of things. =0)
This is good and true but sometimes so hard to do:( There are two people in my life who continually do what they can to cause pain in my family and I finally distanced myself after years of trying with them. I couldn't risk another attack out of the blue. Do I forgive them? Yes, but I can't have a relationship with them.
Beth, I just LOVE your blog…. and what your doing for the kingdom thru the blogging world!! You touching many peoples life: ) Have a great week!!
I don't know. At this point in my life I just have a hard time forgiving some people in my life for things they did to me.
Thought provoking post.
love the page layout and the positive energy. Sarah
This was really good Beth. Once we understand the greatness of the forgiveness of our God, how could we not forgive those who have offended us? The more we know of the goodness of God and all of His character, the more His character becomes evident in our lives as well. Thanks for reminding me!
Forgiveness. Why is that so hard to do even though it is so necessary.
~Silver
Write a book!!! You just keep pulling me in deeper and deeper. I love it! I'm sooo learning that forgiveness is freely given.Not only to me but also to others. Amazing. Thanks so much!
great post and I think I may check that book out!
Thanks
Collette xxx
Great post! You are so right!
These are wise words, Beth! Forgiveness is a tough thing to give, and sometimes it's even tougher to accept. But in the end both are among the most necessary things in life.
Hi Beth, what an awesome post on forgiveness, I agree when we don't forgive , we are the ones in bondage. I know I have been there, but am so thankful to God that He was so patient with me, and that one day I allowed Him to set me free from this bondage of unforgiveness Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Sue
Thanks for sharing Beth. So much I could say but I'll just chew on what you shared.
Good book by J. Bevere. Love you.
I had the joy of meeting Linda at the PJ party at the Siesta Fiesta! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Beth,
I saw your comment on Joanna's blog.
I'm sure she will respond to your question as well,but I will tell you that my girls will be four on Sept.7th and they are not doing the things that Kelsie can do and Kelsie is only 16 days older than my girls.
They don't even write their names yet except for the first two letters.
Your daughter is not behind at all;just remember that everyone develops at their own pace and she's doing just fine:)
Amen. We must choose to forgive because the Lord tells us to. It is not an option. Unforgiveness leads to bitterness which leads to an unhappy life. Like you said, it opens the door to the enemy! Love you!
Hey Beth-you've been tagged. Check out my blog to see why!