Christianity Oasis Member Forum & Chat Room

i understand that i need to forgive others so that i too will be forgiven. i know i should, it's the understanding how to that is stopping me. i guess i'd like steps to help me instead of just knowing that i should. any step by step advice? as long as certain people are not in my sight, i think i've forgiven but then the mention or thought of being around them sets my emotions off and i dont like the person i become.

Hello Jane

God bless you this day, and welcome to Christianity Oasis.

I can relate to what you are saying...it seems the memories of offenses just keep raising their ugly heads and before we know it is as if the offense just occurred, and we're ready to rumble. This is due partly because of our own old sinful nature and partly because the enemy seldom rests and comes to steal, kill and destroy. But, Good News, we are not alone, and the fight belongs to The Lord, our Saviour, and He provides us with all the necessary provision to overcome through Him..

As children of God and followers of Jesus, we have within us the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. When the Apostle Paul said "I die daily" he meant, he died to his old nature and chose each day to live out his life in his new nature in Christ. He believed and acted on the truth that he was not his own, but that he now was a willing vessel of God, and his life would reflect Jesus instead of his own carnal desires.

Born again Christians have access to the fruit of The Holy Spirit, all day, every day. It's a matter of faith as to whether or not we truly believe that and then reach for His peace, His joy, His patience, His self-control, etc. (See Galatians 5:22-23 to read His Word on the fruit of The Holy Spirit).

No doubt, we all wobble at times, and we slip and fall at other times, but by faith in The Lord, we will overcome. The Lord has begun a marvelous thing within each of His children and followers of Christ, and He will complete the good work that He has begun.

Jane, I encourage you to read a 14 Day study on this site entitled COOL Confidential Christian Counseling (CCCC) Study. It has helped hundreds, if not thousands, to grow in their knowledge of, and in their relationship with, God Almighty. Here is a link to that study: http://www.christianityoasis.com/CCCC/Forum.htm

Prayers are rising to our Lord in the name of Jesus on your behalf. May God's blessed will be done.

God bless and keep you.
In Christ Jesus' love,
Sister Mack

Forgiveness is letting go. Giving to God what was God's all along.

When you forgive, you do not invite them back to hurt you again.

You can forgive and still prosecute in a court of law.

Forgiveness is a state of the heart. It is giving the person and their sins against you to God. It is trusting that God will deal with the situation.

You do not have to have the person over for milk and cookies to forgive. You don't even have to tell them you forgive them - in many cases that would just make them mad and they would call you a liar.

Forgiveness is saying, "God, I'm hurt. This person hurt me. Please, heal the situation. Take care of it for me. Take it away."

And let go.