Episode 46: How to Forgive by Grace

In this episode, Dr. John and Mark define forgiveness and discuss some myths related to why we choose not to forgive. John walks through three dimensions of forgiving: relinquishment, reconciliation, and restoration. To relinquish is vertical, meaning it is between you and God. Reconciliation and restoration are horizontal and are between people needing forgiveness and those who need to forgive.

Practical Steps for relinquishment of wrongs:

1. Prayerfully list those you have not fully forgiven (Psalm 139:23-24).
2. Name by name, recognize the incidents or categories that should be relinquished.
3. Face the pain involved.
4. Entrust each case to God, knowing He has seen it and will judge righteously (Psalm 55:22, Romans 12:19).
5. Release any rights to revenge (Romans 12:17-21).
6. Accept any inevitable consequence of the wrongs (James 1:2-3).
7. Be willing to reconcile (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17).
8. Accept God's compensating grace, which is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
9. Document this process and declare it "done" if the enemy brings it to mind again (James 4:7).

Links:

Woodward Forgiveness Article: https://gracenotebook.com/dimensions-of-forgiving/

Freedom in Christ Resources: https://www.ficm.org/ministry-materials/free-resources/