Practical Steps to Forgiveness

Forgiveness- the word that seems so easy to look at but so hard to do; however www.freedictionary.com settles for the following definitions:

1.      “To excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon,

2.      To renounce anger or resentment against or

3.      To absolve from payment of (a debt, for example).”

I know that we continually experience situations which require pardon towards others for actions- however unimaginable- towards us or people close to us. It is especially true when we expect the same from others. With that said, of course, there remain numerous scenarios in which the “forgive” or “forgiveness” is mentioned in the Word. One particular scripture which places such emphasis rests with the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor found in Matthew 18:21-22:

²¹ Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

²² “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

How impractical it sounds! I mean- Really!?! Well one way of avoiding detrimental ails to the spiritual self thus causing possible difficulty in drawing closer in relationship to Christ is to LET IT (the issue) GO before it takes deep root in your heart making it harder to overcome as time progresses. (Think of a 50 year old tree- no matter how many times you cut it at the truck, it will continually grow because it roots are deeply planted in the soil stretching further beyond unimaginable boundaries. The only way to permanently void the perpetuation of this tree is to uproot it ENTIRELY). However, I present to you further practical, biblical keys to FORGIVENESS as afforded by Pastor Gregory Dickow (trust me, it works!):

1. Believe that God can turn the situation around

2. Give up your right to be bitter      (Hebrews 12:13-15)

3. Do to fight back        (1 Peter 2:20)

4. Be patient- the willingness to endure what has been done to me without retaliation and without giving up

5. Pray     (Job 42:10)

"Forgiveness unlocks the door to your blessing. Forgiveness is the gateway to your miracle”- Pastor Gregory Dickow