Choosing Forgiveness

List by Pastor Ken

Since forgiveness is a choice, I choose to forgive even when it is difficult.

Because God forgave me and released me from the punishment of my sin, so He calls me to forgive others as well. Anything He calls me to do, He empowers me to do. That is why I choose to forgive.

I forgive and pray for those who mistreat me

Matthew 5:44

But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.

Love and do good to the offender

Romans 12:9

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

When I forgive, I release the one who has offended me from my revenge

Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”

I forgive my enemies and do not celebrate their failures

Proverbs 24:17-19

Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown, lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious of the wicked.

Forgiving others treats them the way I want to be treated

Luke 6:31

As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.

I forgive and do not live in the past

Isaiah 43:18

Don’t remember the former things, and don’t consider the things of old.

I forgive and do not speak poorly of my offenders; instead, I bless them

Romans 12:14

Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.