Hello my dear friends, cousins, brothers and sisters

Part IV - Why don't we forgive?

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Now to better understand how we can apply forgiveness in our lives, take a look at some of the reasons why you and I don't forgive.



1) Insecurity

2) Holding a grudge

3) Jealousy

4) Fear

5) Self-pity

6) Shifting the blame

7) Plain old madness at a person

8) Pride

9) Failing to forget

To forget means to no longer be controlled by the hurt or the desire to get even

10) Unworthiness

11) The repeat offender

Peter asks Jesus how often he should forgive his brother? Peter expect to really impress Jesus with his spirituality and willingness to forgive by going out on a religious limb and offering, ' Up to seven times?

' You can almost see Peter with his chest out and a satisfied smile on his face, waiting for Jesus to pat him on the back and say, "Oh no, Peter! I really appreciated the depth of your spirituality, but two or three times is plenty!" INSTEAD< /b>, Jesus turn to Peter and says, '"I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Can't you just hear Peter stammering to respond: "Uh, Lord, you want to run that one again? Did you say 490 times?" Jesus isn't interest in the number; He's interested in forgiving altitude and a boundless desire to heal relationships.

12) Revenge

13) Lack of Strength



Giving and receiving forgiveness is the greatest power available for resolving conflicts today. It is one of the greatest needs in all the world. Showing to the world Christ's character by being a forgiving person is one of the most powerful testimonies you or I can give.



______________________________________________________Prayer

By Josh McDowell



' Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for Jesus Christ dying on the cross for my sins, that I might be totally forgiven. Thank you that when I placed my faith in Christ, my sins were forgiven because of what He has done, and not something I did. Father, show me how to forgive myself and those around me. I want to forgive as you do, and I want to take the initiative to offer forgiveness. Give me the strength to swallow my pride and seek forgiveness when I have done wrong. Heal me of all resentful feelings.



Lord, I ask for conviction when I need conviction, healing when I need healing, stirring up when I need stirring up, and comfort when I need comfort. Let me be a channel of your forgiveness to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen. '



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God bless to you all.



Take care.