Forgive & Forget

Bad things happen to everybody. God doesn’t cause bad things to happen, they are a part of life. Sometimes strangers will be mean to us. Sometimes people we love will say or do hurtful things. Sometimes bad things just happen.

 

STEP ONE

If somebody hurts us or sins against us we need to forgive them just like Father God has forgiven us. This can be really hard, but we need to remember that Jesus died for those people that sinned against us. When I think about it, Jesus already paid the price for their sin, then I don’t want to make them pay for their sin against me.

 

STEP TWO

We need to forget the past. The Apostle Paul said, “But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Don’t let other people’s sin slow you down. Forget about the past, pick yourself up and keep running your race.

 

STEP THREE

It helps us when we forgive others. God tells us to forgive others because un-forgiveness will mess up your life.

• Un-forgiveness will hinder your prayer life (Mark 11:25-26)

• It’s difficult to receive forgiveness for your sins when you are flowing in un-forgiveness. (Matthew 18:23-35)

• Un-forgiveness is a sin that will slow you down.

 

STEP FOUR

The Holy Spirit will help you to forgive others. Admittedly forgiving others can be hard to do, especially if somebody hurt you that you trusted and loved. The good news is that you don’t have to do it by yourself. Even if it seems impossible, the Holy Spirit will help you forgive others.

 

When I taught this lesson to my kids, my Small Group Leaders reinforced it with group lesson entitled, “What Are You Carrying Around?”  I want to share that with you today.

Agape 2.0 – 06, Small Group, “What Are You Carrying Around?