CR Step Study Lesson 17 – Forgiveness

Lesson 17 Principle & Step:

Principle 6:  Evaluate all my relationships.  Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I have done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.  Happy are the merciful.  Matthew 5:7  Happy are the peacemakers.  Matthew 5:9

Step 8:  We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.  Do unto others as you would have them do to you.  Luke 6:31

Step 9:  We made a direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.  There, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.  Matthew 5:23-24

Lesson 17 – Highlights:

There are three areas of forgiveness.  If you miss or skip one area of forgiveness you will never be free of your resentment, anger, fears, shame or guilt.  Answer these three questions:

• Have you accepted God’s forgiveness? He paid the intimate price for sin on the cross…
• Have you forgiven those who have hurt you? Forgiving does not excuse the harm they have done.  It simply allows you to let go and move on…
• Have you forgiven yourself? This was hard for me, but freeing once I did it…

The act of forgiveness sounds simple and for the most part, it is.  The hard part comes in arriving at the decision to forgive.  But until you make the conscious decision to accept God’s forgiveness, grant forgiveness to others and yourself you will remain stuck.  Are you ready to embrace forgiveness?  If so, click on my podcast below and let’s cover the questions together and tap into the power of forgiveness.

Lesson 17 – Questions:

1. As you look at the three areas of forgiveness, which one of them was the easiest for you to accept? Why?
2. Which area of forgiveness was the most difficult for you to accept? Why?
3. What do the words of Christ found in John 19:30 “It is finished” mean to you?
4. What hurt(s) from a past relationship are you still holding on to?
5. How can you let go of the hurt(s)? Be specific.
6. Do you owe God an amends? When will you give it?
7. How have you been blaming God for harmful actions that others took against you?
8. Have you forgiven yourself? What past actions in your life do you still feel guilt or shame about?  List them, pray for them, and work on them in the next lesson.

For me, forgiveness was like a deep spring cleaning.  When I was done, there was so much more room in my heart to feel happy and joyful and my outlook on life was brighter.  What healing are you experiencing from accepting and offering forgiveness?  Share and or comment below.

Recovery is not meant to be a solo journey.  There is power in number so I strongly recommend that you find a Celebrate Recovery group in your area.  To find one near you click here.  Remember… JOY is a choice, so choose well!