Forgiveness-Part Two, Freedom

Forgiveness and Freedom

There is something amazing that takes place when a person is able to truly forgive by the grace of God. We are talking about the forgiving of others, the forgiving of ourselves, the forgiving of circumstances, the forgiving of God (whom we may see has wronged us). When we forgive there is a freedom that comes to us, there is a peace that comes. We are not bound up with bitterness, resentment, anger, frustration, regret.

When there is true forgiveness we can think about people, circumstances, the past and not be haunted or taunted. We can see someone who has harmed us in the past and emotions do not suddenly take control of us. We can see ourselves in the mirror and not hate the person in the mirror.

Supernatural

There are some that are going to say it is impossible to have that kind of forgiveness. You are absolutely correct! It is impossible without the help of God, without the grace that can come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we understand that the Sovereign Lord God of the Universe requires, actually commands us to forgive, and that the same God is then required to give us the grace to forgive, we can enter into a realm of faith that results in us being able to do something we could not do on our own-to forgive the unforgivable. He empowers us in a supernatural way to be able to do what we could not do on our own, and the end result is peace and freedom.

Peace

When we are able to truly forgive we are able to experience peace that comes from our Heavenly Father. A peace that many, if not most, have not been able to experience when they have gone through some of the same things as us. The Bible calls it a peace that surpasses understanding. It does not make sense how we can have peace. It is a peace that takes us above our circumstances, above our past.

The Father does not erase the memory. Instead, He makes it so the memory has no power over us.

Philippians 4:7 ESV
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The peace of God guards your heart and mind from bitterness, grudges, hatred, vengeance, resentment. To not be controlled by these emotions is freedom.

Freedom

For most who have experienced evil in their life they are controlled by emotions and feelings. These emotions can take them into a realm of bondage. Their life can become wrapped around the horrific circumstances they have experienced. How many people say “Because you have done this the rest of my life will be miserable.” Or how many people because of the poor decisions they have made in their life, live a life of depression, another form of bondage. Their minds and memories are controlled by the past. It is a horrible bondage to live in.

True freedom is to live above your circumstances, your past, to be in charge of your life instead of others and events being in charge of your life. Jesus can and will set you free if you want freedom. The choice is yours. Turn over everything to God or hold unto it. Hopefully you will choose freedom.

John 8:36
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Summary

Your loving Heavenly Father can give you the grace to be able to forgive people, forgive yourself, forgive God for the circumstances that have come your way. When you are able to truly forgive there is a peace that passes understanding and a freedom from the bondage of bitterness, grudges, hatred, vengeance, resentment. When there is true forgiveness you will not be haunted by past experiences and memories.

In our next podcast we will share testimonies on the power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness Podcast Series
Forgiveness-Introduction
Forgiveness-Part One, Bible Verses
Forgiveness-Part Two, Freedom and Peace
Forgiveness-Part Three, Testimonies
Forgiveness-Part Four, Application
Forgiveness-Part Five, Prayer