Christianity Oasis Member Forum & Chat Room

Well, when I saw the topic of step 4 I had to walk away and laugh. I knew what was coming!

Okay I know God has forgiven me and I am working on forgiving myself. I know Satan likes to play tricks and tries to taunt me with guilt and shame. Each day I am growing more and letting go.

So then BAM ! ! I am hit with forgiving others. Are there people I need to forgive. YES, in fact there is a nice long list.

So my question is this, to my wonderful fellow Christians. To forgive someone. Does it really require we address them face to face? Or to even let them know? Or is it something we can just address to God and truly let go of an harboring anger?

MsQ
YOu asked

So my question is this, to my wonderful fellow Christians. To forgive someone. Does it really require we address them face to face? Or to even let them know? Or is it something we can just address to God and truly let go of an harboring anger?

I personally do not believe that you have to address them face to face. I think that as long and you forgive them and you and God know then that is the important fact.

On some I had to forgive...I sat an empty chair in front of me and talked to them like they were sitting there when is was actually only me and God but that seemed to help me to know that I had forgiven them.
Keep pressing through sis

Hey Mrs. Q, no you do not have to go face to face with each person to forgive them...see forgiveness begins in you...and in your heart...now forgiving others doesn't mean what they did was right...nor does it give them the right to do it again...what forgiveness does is to allow you to be free of the hurt and pain they have caused you.

Time to fly sis...you can be free....and soon you will be soaring with the butterflies.

luv ya

Hi MsQ...good afternoon to ya!

im in agreement with whats been said here...and just wanna add a few things...

most times, people dont even know they have hurt us. and sometimes they know they have and just dont care...and then..

there are some who have been praying that you would forgive them..they have asked you to and for whatever reason, youve withheld it...keeping them bound in it. Only you and God know if such an one exists. In saying that, this list you have...pray about it all..give them all to the Lord..everything they have done..and if there is one who has asked you to forgive them...go to them. Each person on that list is different.

Most times, though, they dont know they've hurt us, or they arent around anymore for whatever reason..so thats something we have held on to..and is between you and God. Bringing what they've done to you to them when they didnt realize they hurt you to begin with may cause the other to feel shame and guilt.

Bottom line is this...none of us are immune to evil and sin. We all have to forgive. Doesnt make what we've done right..or what they've done right..just frees the noose from around their necks and yours...and gives control back to God, who IS the judge..and, He judges the intents of our hearts.

If you try to take back the anger or resentment through the enemy's bringing back to your mind, forgive again...keep saying..i forgive that..its gone..ive forgiven that, its gone and give it back to Jesus...and eventually, it will be gone.

God bless you sis...youre doing an awesome job and can do this through Christ's strength in you.

in Jesus,
love momo