Radical Forgiveness

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
Luke 23:34

Bottom Line

The way of Jesus is the way of forgiveness.

What forgiveness isn't

• Forgiveness is not condoning.
• Forgiveness is not forgetting.
• Forgiveness is not rescuing.
• Forgiveness is not reconciling.

What forgiveness looks like

"Forgiveness is letting people off the hook."
‍— Dallas Willard

How to forgive

1. Notice

Notice when you are stuck in the flywheel of unforgiveness.

2. Fix

Fix your eyes on the cross of Christ.

"Jesus calls us to forgive those who sin against us.  This is how the cycles of hatred can be broken. It’s what he models for us on the cross."
‍— Pete Greig

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

"It is highly presumptuous to refuse to forgive one who Christ himself has already forgiven."
‍— NT Wright

3. Choose

Choose to forgive.

Action Steps

• Identify someone who has hurt or wronged you
• Write out any ways you’ve been stuck in the cycle of enemy-making
• Spend some time reflecting on how Jesus has forgiven you
• Name the truth by writing out what happened
• Lament your pain in prayer and give it to Jesus for healing 
• Pray a prayer of forgiveness and blessing over the other person
• Initiate or pray for reconciliation while releasing the outcome to God