Forgiveness

So I was thinking about my church’s women’s ministry event I attended Saturday. It was a great time of food, fellowship, learning, and reflection. My good friend, Amber, who is the First Lady and leader of the women’s ministry, spoke to us about forgiveness. It was such a good teaching and one I didn’t realize I needed to hear. I’m going to share a few of the points and hopefully some of these gems will help you like they did me!
We learned what forgiveness is and is not. Amber pointed out that many times we mistake reconciliation and trust for forgiveness and that isn’t what it is. She gave us this definition: forgiveness is letting go of the anger, bitterness, resentment, and the desire for vengeance or retaliation toward the person who offended you.
Next, we learned five reasons why we need to forgive.

1. ​We need forgiveness and grace. (Matthew 5:23&24, Matthew 6: 14&15)
   
2. We are called to love. (1 Corinthians 13, John 13:35, Luke 6:32-36)
3. It’s healthy, spiritually and physically.
   
4. Vengeance belongs to God. (Romans 12:17-21)
   
5. It sets us free.
   

Lastly, we learned how to forgive. We have to make a conscious decision to do so. Just like most things in life, forgiveness is a choice. Then, we need to approach it with humility, thinking about all of the things we’ve been forgiven for. Finally, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you are in the Chicagoland area, check out New Creation Church. Services are held on Sundays at 9am at The Revival in Hyde Park. Click here to find out more.

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