What It Is – Total Forgiveness Ch 1.3

Forgiveness isn’t approving of, excusing, justifying or pardoning an offense. It doesn’t have to include reconciliation and it doesn’t mean we deny, turn a blind eye or forget the sin against us. We don’t have to refuse to take a wrong seriously or pretend that we weren’t hurt by it. But forgiveness is necessary.

“Just as God forgives people without approving of their sin, we also must learn that forgiving people does not imply an endorsement of their evil deeds.”

So let’s take a look at what forgiveness is.

Being aware of what someone has done and still forgiving them.

Total forgiveness is painful. It hurts when we kiss revenge goodbye. But when we know fully what they did and that they will be blessed without any consequences, … we begin to be a little more like Jesus.

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Choosing to keep no record of wrongs

Total forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling – at least at first – but is rather an act of the will.

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Refusing to punish

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Not telling what they did

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Being merciful

Carrying out punishment also belongs to God alone.

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Graciousness

Graciousness is shown by what you don’t say, even if what you could say would be true.

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It’s an inner condition.

Confidence toward God is ultimately what total forgiveness is all about; He is the One I want to please at the end of the day.

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It is the absence of bitterness.

Relinquishing bitterness is an open invitation for the Holy Spirit to give you His peace, His joy, and the kowledge of His will.

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Forgiving God

Although we often do not see it at first, all of our bitterness is ultimately traceable to a resentment of God.

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Forgiving ourselves

There is no lasting joy in forgiveness if it doesn’t include forgiving yourself.

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