3 Forgiveness Myths
3 Forgiveness Myths: Don't Believe These Lies
Most people would say forgiveness is important, but most people don't even know the tenets of forgiveness.
In fact, most people believe certain forgiveness myths that leaves them missing out on the freedom that God has for them.
So, what are those forgiveness myths?
1. Forgiveness is a good idea only when someone deserves it. FALSE.
The reason this one is tough because here's what's easy to think:
- There's no way I should forgive them
- I'm not going to let them off the hook
- They don't deserve it
Here's what you need to know:
Forgiveness doesn't just have to do with the other person.
Forgiveness has much more to do with you!
Here's what Colossians 3:13 says, "Make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive ANYONE who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."
You are going to be offended, so we are called to to forgive because God forgave us!
Forgiveness is freely received by Christ, therefore it is freely given to others.
Even when they don't deserve it, forgive.
Even when you don't feel like it, forgive.
2. Forgiveness includes minimizing the offense and pain caused. FALSE.
If you minimize the offense, you can actually never experience forgiveness.
If you minimize the pain, you won't experience the freedom of forgiveness.
In fact, forgiveness is rejecting our right for repayment.
The Bible teaches that whenever there's an offense, there's a debt to be paid.
In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is not forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22
When someone hurts you, you have a choice.
You are given a choice to return fire with fire or choose a better way.
Pastor Tim Keller says, "Forgiveness is a form of voluntary suffering."
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5
When we forgive, we lose something, but we get something greater.
We get to step into an intimacy, a peace that is greater than anything we could have received if we would have returned fire with fire.
We get Jesus.
Here's the last myth.
3. If we choose not to forgive eventually the issue will go away. FALSE
Many of us have stepped into this lie.
Time heals all wounds, right? NOPE.
This couldn't be further from the truth.
Time does not heal it.
In fact, often time magnifies the void between you and the other party that magnifies the hurt.
The only pathway to complete healing is through forgiveness.
Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19
Want to be refreshed? Turn to God.
God forgave you & he can help you forgive others.
Don't believe the forgiveness myths.
Trust in Jesus & forgive today.