Forgivness (Part 3) How Do you Sustain a Forgivng Spirit

　

 Forgivness Part 3 How DO You Sustain a Forgiving Spirit?

 In the Olympics, a boxer doesn’t simply step into the ring and register a knockout with the first punch. Most often, it takes many rounds of exchanging many blows before a winner is announced. For the most part, forgiveness is not a onetime event.28 We may need to go through many bouts of forgiving as a part of the process of forgiveness. But if we confront our hurts and face our wounds, it will be worth the emotional bruises we will likely encounter. As we consistently release each recurring thought of an offense, eventually the thoughts will stay away. The process will be complete. The fight will be won. Jesus emphasized the "again and again" nature of forgiveness when He said ... "If he [your brother] sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him." (Luke 17:4)

Forgviness (Part 2) How to Forgive

How to Forgive .(part 2).. again

How can you forgive someone who has hurt you? You may think it’s impossible — but with God’s help you can. The key is first to accept God’s forgiveness, by receiving the free gift of salvation He offers you in Jesus Christ. We don’t deserve God’s forgiveness, but on the cross all of our sins were placed in Christ, and He took the judgment we deserve. Have you turned to Him for the forgiveness you need?

Then "forgive others the same way Christ has forgiven you — freely and fully. Not only will God release you from an unforgiving spirit, but He even may use you to change the life of the person you’ve forgiven."

F—Forbid recurring thoughts of the wrongs done to enter your mind. Stop them as soon as they occur. Boldly say to yourself, “I refuse to keep a record of this. I refuse to keep a ledger.”
“[Love] keeps no record of wrongs.”
(1 Corinthians 13:5)

O—Overcome the temptation to bring up the matter again. After an honest confrontation with the offender and both sides of the situation have been dealt with—or if the other person refuses to talk about the problem—let the Holy Spirit do His work of conviction. Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, “[There is] a time to be silent and a time to speak.” Pray this passage:
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

R—Repeat Scripture in your mind. Allow God’s perspective to change your perspective. Allow God’s heart to permeate your heart. At times of testing, repeat over and over, “Love covers this wrong. Lord, may I be an expression of Your love. May I reflect Your love that covers over all wrongs.”
“Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12)

G—Give the situation to God. Jesus understands how much you have been wronged. When He was being persecuted, Jesus knew that the heavenly Father would judge justly . . . in His way, in His time. And you can know the same. Your trial will make you either bitter or better. Say to the Lord, “I put my heart into Your hands. I entrust myself to You. I know You will judge this
situation justly.” These words were said about Jesus:
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)

I—Intercede on behalf of your offender. God does not present prayer as an option for you; it is a command. When you have been wronged, pray, “Lord, give me eyes to see him through Your eyes. May I care for her with Your care.”
“Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.” (1 Samuel 12:23)

V—Value what you can give rather than what you can receive. Pray for God to help you understand the offender’s past and how his or her inner pain has contributed to the injury you are now experiencing. Focus on how you might meet some of these inner needs, for it is more blessed to give than to receive.
“The Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

E—Extend God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Forgiveness is a direct expression of both God’s grace and God's mercy. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve (pardon). Mercy is not getting what you do deserve (punishment). Pray often, “Lord, may my life be an expression of Your grace and an extension of Your mercy.”
“The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
(James 5:11)

Sources
Rodney A. Fry, Rose Publishing, http://billygraham.org/answer/with-gods-help-you-can-forgive-those-whove-hurt-you/