Lesson 8 - Seeking Forgiveness Pt 2

[*] "The Process of Seeking forgiveness

A. Regarding each person from whom you need forgiveness, clearly indentify to yourself the offense committed. Write it out, including the attitude behind the offensive action.

B. Make sure you have already forgiven the other of any wrongs on his/her part toward you.

C. Think through the percise wording you will use as you ask for forgiveness.

1. Label your action as "wrong" and "sinful."

2. Go into only as much detail asa necessary for the offended person to understand what you are confessing

3. Make no defenses, alibis, or excuses.

4. Do not allow pride to cast doubt on the other person's judgement. Example: 'If you percive that I was wrong, will you forgive me?'

5. Do not project blame (see B. above)

6. Do not tie your wrong action to a perceived wrong action on the part of the other person. Example: 'I was wrong, but so were you.' or 'If you had not said what you said, I wouldn't have done that.' This is rationalization.

7. Your confession should lead with purpose and without undue delay to the direct question: 'Will you forgive me?'

D. Ask God to lead you to the right time in approaching the offended person.E. Make your request for forgiveness in person with family members or persons whith whom you can talk face to face

F. Except where no other means of communication is possible, DO NOT write a letter.

• A letter can very easily be misread or misunderstood, and without the writer's personal presence or contact, such misunderstandings cannot be corrected.
• A letter can be read by the wrong person - someone having nothing to do with the offense or the confession.
• A letter might be kept when it should be destroyed.
• A letter may ask for a response, but does not 'wait and expect' a response, as does a personal face-to-face meeting or telephone communication.

G. Once you sincerely seek forgiveness you are free - in regard to this particular human relationship. (Remember that your sin against another person is also a sin against God, and must be confessed to God for the restoration of your fellowship with Him [ 1 John 1:6-10].)H. If forgiveness is refused and there seems no hope of change on the part of the offended person - or if you are told you are forgiven, only to learn later that you are not - then you may prayerfully and humbly commit your case to 'the Judge' (God, the Judge of all), and leave it there."

Write out Matthew 5:25-26, what does it say about this?







Write out Romans 12:10 & 16, what do they speak to your heart about how we should be with others?







One more . . . what does Romans 13:8 say?







Dear ones, if we are to keep our debts clear, to put others above ourselves, to be Christ-like in our love towards others, will it not be easier to not have to walk through these steps of "seeking forgiveness" any longer? (at least not so often).