"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger...along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32
Realize I'm not God, I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.
Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.
Openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself, and to someone I trust.
Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects
Evaluate all my relationships, offer forgiveness to those who've hurt me and make amends for harm I've done to others except, when to do so, would harm them or others.
WHY FORGIVE THOSE WHO'VE HURT ME?
- Because God has forgiven me.
- Resentment doesn’t work--it’s foolish and unhealthy!
"You are only hurting yourself with your anger!" Job 18:4, GN
- I will need forgiveness in the future, from God.
HOW DO I FORGIVE THOSE WHO’VE HURT ME?
- I must reveal my hurt.
- I must release the offender.
- I can replace my hurt with God’s peace.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Col 3:15
"Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble hurting many in their spiritual lives.” Hebrews 12:15, LB
MAKE AMENDS TO THOSE I'VE HURT? HOW?
- Make a list of those I've harmed and what I did.
- Think how I’d like others to make amends to me.
- Ask the question--is this action appropriate?
- Refocus my life.