| The
Ugly Power of this Sin
 Anger
dwelt on gives Satan a foot-hold in our lives. Ephesians 4:26-27
Anger is like a sliver in our hand. If it is not removed it will cause
an infection - the infection of anger.
Hatred leads to murder, so God views them as the
same. 1 John 3:15;
Matthew 5:21-26
Satan's hatred toward God led to him murder Jesus.
Taking revenge destroys relationships and leads to retaliation and further
hurt. Story in Genesis 34.
Envy leads to a rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30
Cain's envy caused the world's very first murder. Genesis 4:1
Unforgiveness can block God's forgiveness to us.
Matthew 6:12, 14-15
The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates this. Matthew 18:21-35
Anger is like battery acid that digs in deeper the longer it stays.
When we don't forgive, we choose to let the other person continue to hurt
us. We become his slave.
Bitterness can cause people to be defiled and fall
short of God's grace. Hebrews 12:15
It is like a root that grows under the surface, grabbing onto every excuse
it can find, but always showing above the surface, growing larger there
as well.
These sins can destroy our bodies through ulcers, cancer
and heart attacks.
These sins destroy our relationship with God. 1 John 4:20,21
We must deal with these emotions or they will destroy us.
Many people hide their anger and bitterness, but it is still there and
dangerous.
A band aid is not enough to help an infection. The whole body will be hurt.
It is like trying to row a boat while the anchor is sunk in the ground.
 God
Wants Us to Forgive - God Requires Us to Forgive. Matthew 6:12, 14-15
There is no legitimate reason, no terrible circumstance for which we are
allowed to stay angry and bitter. We must let go of it all. Ephesians 4:31
We are to forgive as God has graciously forgiven us in Jesus. Ephesians
4:32
We have the greatest Forgiver in our hearts. Luke 23:34
We were terrible sinners. Romans 5:8
We had not asked for forgiveness or changed our hearts.
He did it at great personal loss to Himself.
He desired our change and salvation.
Forgiveness Is Not:
Saying that what the person did is okay. It is not okay.
Saying that the person may continue to hurt you (physical, verbal or sexual
abuse).
Forgiveness Is:
To extend to another human the unconditional love God has for him.
To give up the right to pay them back for their sin and to let God do that.
Romans 12:19
It is an act of obedience to God.
It may be only one-way with no response from the one who caused hurt.
The Steps of Forgiveness
1. Make a list of how you've been hurt, offended or affected.
- This affirms your pain and the wrongness of the actions.
- Tell God how you feel. Many Psalms such as 22, Job's talks with God.
- God already knows, you can't hide it from Him and He's the safest!
- Don't gossip and tell others. Proverbs 26:20-25
2. Make a list of your own faults.
- Add to this list the things for which God has forgiven you.
- Compare this to the person's wrong against you. Matthew 18:21-35
In the story it's 1 million to 200!
- Instead of reducing the person to their one bad act against you, see
them as human. Think about his own personal struggles. He is not your
enemy, but he is being used as a tool of Satan.
3. Dwell on how much God has forgiven you.
- He who is forgiven much, loves much. Luke 7:36-50
- Read, meditate and memorize the above commands and promises.
4. Pray for the one who has hurt you. Matthew 5:44
- Ask God to show you what that person could be if he were redeemed
and transformed by Christ.
- Then ask God to either change him thoroughly or punish him completely
when Jesus comes. Revelation 6:10
5. Ask God to help you see the person(s) who has wronged
you as a tool to develop your character. Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 1:6-9
6. Ask God to forgive you for your bitterness and unforgiveness
toward them.
7. Call, write or talk to them and ask them to forgive you
for your bitter spirit if they have known how you felt. Matthew 5:23-26
If they are already dead, confess your sin just to God.
8. Ask God for a new heart of forgiveness and love and believe
you have it.
- Claim the death of selfishness and anger as yours through Jesus' death.
- Renounce all connection with evil spirits based on your unforgiveness.
Colossians 3:8-10, 12-13; Galatians 2:20
9. Choose to forgive those who've hurt you, surrendering
your right to get even.
Act on God's forgiveness in your heart by doing good things
for them. Romans 12:17-21
10. Extend forgiveness to yourself.
- God has forgiven you, so you can too! 1 John 1:9
- Reject Satan's lie that your sin is too big to forgive.
- Say out loud "_____ (Your own name), I forgive you for ____."
11. Let God off the hook for things that have happened.
Trust Him to bring justice, don't blame Him.
12. Follow these steps for anyone you feel bitter and unforgiving
towards. You may want to think back to the beginning of your life and think
through the years and people who have affected you. Especially think about
family members. Let forgiveness become a quick and ready mindset at every
future offense.
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