INS:Forgiveness

   When someone we are close to has hurt us, it is often difficult to
release the anger, fear or hurt, and let God's forgiveness flow. Satan
likes to make us believe that we can't forgive the hurt and that we
must "feel" like forgiving someone before we can forgive them.

   Unforgiveness in your heart is very serious because it blocks your
relationship with God and His ability to answer your prayers (Mathew
6:14, 15 and Mark 11:25).

   Actually, you can forgive as an act of your will, based on a quality
decision to pray like this:

   "Dear Lord, I ask Your forgiveness for my attitude toward _______.
Right now as an act of my will, I allow Your forgiveness to flow
through me and I release and forgive _______ completely. I forgive
_____ for ______ (name the offense). I choose to walk in forgiveness in
my everyday life and am trusting You to help me do it. "In Jesus'
precious Name, Amen."

   Now make this statement regardless of your feelings: "I have
forgiven ________ completely and I am free of bitterness and
unforgiveness in my life."

   Then daily confess this affirmation and at least three of these
scriptures. (You can choose the ones that seem to speak the best to you
and your situation.)

   Affirmation: "I have a loving and forgiving attitude toward
everyone." Scriptures: Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37-38 (vs 38 in Amplified
Bible); 1 Cor. 13:4-5; Eph. 4:32; 1 Thes.3:12; 1 Peter 4:8.

   As you forgive the people who have hurt you and release your
feelings to God, you will find God is changing your feelings toward
them. If those people live near you or with you, you will very likely
see them begin to change because your forgiveness toward them has
opened the door for God to work in their lives.

   (From Derin's Coffee Shop/Windsor Co. 80550)