Forgiveness--What it is and how to do it!

In his little book, Winning Spiritual Warfare: Steps to Freedom in Christ, Neil T. Anderson gives a list of things to help someone forgive. (Pages 28-31) The following is my para-phrased list from Mr. Anderson--

• Forgiveness is not forgetting. The only ony one who can truly forgive and forget is Adonai, the Almighty God.
• Forgiveness is a choice.
• Forgivenes is agreeing to live with another person's sin. The following is a quote from Mr. Anderson's book--"All true forgivenss is substitutionary, because no one really forgives without bearing the consequences of another person's sin." (Page 30)
• You must decide to not use the negative information or experience against the other person in the future.
• You must acknowledge the hurt and the hate that you feel.
• You cannot wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving. Feelings take time to heal. In forgiveness, you are seeking freedom from bitterness and resentment, not the restoration immediately of good feelings. However, after true forgiveness, your feelings will heal.

Another quote from Mr. Anderson's book is "Forgiveness is dealing with your pain and leaving the other person to God." (Page 31) Mr. Anderson suggests praying the following prayer--"Lord, I forgive (name the person) for (verbally share every hurt and pain the Lord brings to your mind and how it made you feel)." (Page 31) Pray this prayer over every person that you need to forgive.

Mr. Anderson continues with this prayer: "Lord, I release all these people to you and my right to seek revenge. I choose not to hold on to my bitterness and anger, and I ask You to heal my damaged emotions. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen" (Page 31)

As you can see, Neil Anderson gives good advice. If you follow these steps sincerely, I am sure you will find that soon you will have more joy and peace than you have experienced previously.