How to Forgive - 10 Steps to a Life of Freedom

Follow the ten how to forgiveness steps below and they will lead you to an offense- free life.

1.   Realize that walking in forgiveness is the best and right thing for you to do.  Once you know that it is best for you and will make life better for you, it becomes much easier to do.  The biggest beneficiary of forgiveness will be you.

2.   Take a short time to remember some of your own big blunders.   Do not camp out there and get depressed, but realize that each of us has had our own personal faults.  This will encourage you to forgive others.

3.    Now that you have been reminded of your past, take time to rejoice in the truth that God has already forgiven you.  How can we withhold what God has already given?

4.  After remembering your own errors and that God has forgiven you, walk humbly and gently, staying aware of your own frailty.

5.  The first four steps remind us that we are to walk in Christ- likeness.  This means walking as Christ walked on earth, not judging but walking in love and forgiveness.

6.  Take the step to choose to forgive the person for their improper ways.  Speak out of your mouth “I forgive you”.  Say it a second time and third time until it is coming from the depth of your heart

7.  Now that you have forgiven the wrongdoer, you are free and can restore that person to the appropriate level of relationship.  Allow yourself to be open to them, and you will be available to give and to receive from them.

8.  If, in the future, you feel any sick feelings or twinges of doubt toward the former offender, be sure to invest in their life: pray for them and do something kind for them. Reaffirm to yourself that you have forgiven them. Confirm that you have eliminated the past offenses completely.

9.  Now that you are free, meditate on Matthew 7:1-2, Romans 2:1, Matthew 18:28-35.  These verses will keep you humble and focused.  The Word of God will divide between your emotions and spirit and keep you free.

10. You have found the freedom of forgiveness, so it is time for your maintenance program:

Take the freedom that you have gained and share it with the masses at work, home and play.  There is a multitude of people who need to know what you now know about forgiveness.  What better person to help them than someone who has experienced the freedom of forgiveness.  Your story alone will soften the heart of many.  Freely you have received, freely you shall give. Go now and set the captives free.

These 10 how to forgiveness steps require action to be effective, be sure to apply knowledge for it to become effective in your life.