Step 8: I Have Made a List Of All The People Whom I Have Not Forgiven

 

STEP 8

I have made a list of all the people whom I have not forgiven.

Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. (NIV)

                  Many people are going through life with unforgiveness in their hearts even in the body of Christ. They go day in and day out carrying bags full of hate, bitterness, anger, and contempt towards someone who may have done them unjustly. The weight of these bags begin to wear on the person physically, emotionally and spiritually. There are some individuals who are sick in their body all because they are holding on to unforgiveness. What many do not know is that the cure for some of life’s ailments is wrapped up in forgiveness. Yes, it may seem like this has nothing to do with emotional stability, great health, and spiritual awareness, but unforgiveness can damage a person just like a nuclear bomb. When it goes off, there is nothing left but total destruction, sickness and death. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (NIV)

           

         

          Jesus lets us know in His word that forgiveness is of such importance that if we know of someone who has an offense against us, we must get that situation solved prior to rendering God and offering. Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.” (NIV) Jesus was letting us know that Jehovah El Nose preferred for us to exhibit forgiveness over sacrifice.

 

                  Jehovah El Nose also expects us to love those who do not love us back. It is easy to love people who are loving towards us, but Jehovah El Nose still wants us to be loving and show forgiveness to those, with whom, we may think are underserving. After all, none of us deserves the grace, mercy and forgiveness that Jehovah El Nose gives. Matthew 5:43-45 ⁽⁴³⁾“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate you enemy.’ ⁽⁴⁴⁾But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁽⁴⁵⁾that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (NIV)

 

 

                  If there are people with whom you are still holding the seeds of unforgiveness in your heart towards, make a list of them. Pray for each person on that list. Ask Jehovah El Nose to help you to forgive those individuals with whom you feel offended. Go to them, ask their forgiveness. You may ask, “Why should I have to ask them for forgiveness when they are the ones who wronged me?” The answer is simple! It gives you a heart of humility as well as a heart for Jehovah El Nose. Proverbs 11:2 When Pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (NIV) Make that list and check it twice. Watch Jehovah El Nose bless your efforts for doing what is right in His sight.