Practical Forgiveness – Practice 7

Posted November 21, 2022 | Judith Ingram

Humble yourself.

God’s grace is available to all but can fill only those who are emptied of themselves. Pride is an attachment to self that breeds jealousy, selfish ambition, and discord. A humble heart, on the other hand, is shaped by godly wisdom and seeks peace, good works, and fellowship with others. The humble are blessed because they know how to offer and receive forgiveness.

Ponder

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

Pledge

With God’s help I will notice when pride is causing trouble in my relationships and preventing me from seeking God’s wisdom and help.

Review

Practice #1: Forgive what you can.

Practice #2: Seek forgiveness from others.

Practice #3: Pray for your offender.

Practice #4: Speak carefully.

Practice #5: Encourage peacemaking.

Practice #6: Commit to honesty.

Practice tip #7: Humble yourself.

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Adapted from A Devotional Walk with Forgiveness by Judith Ingram, Copyright © 2011 by Judith Ingram.
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Practical Forgiveness – Practice 6

Posted November 14, 2022 | Judith Ingram

Commit to honesty.

Truth provides the only solid ground for rebuilding a damaged relationship. Refusing to acknowledge the truth about a hurtful event may seem protective at first but in the long run only postpones healing. Although full disclosure may not be necessary, we can make sure that the words we do speak are truthful and tempered with patience, gentleness, and respect for the person who receives them

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Practical Forgiveness – Practice 5

Posted November 7, 2022 | Judith Ingram

Encourage peacemaking.

As we approach the season of advent, we honor the Son who is called the Prince of Peace. For us, becoming like Jesus means living into peace and forgiveness as our preferred ways of handling relationships. Christ establishes his kingdom of peace through our daily encounters by infusing our ordinary deeds with God’s extraordinary grace. Because of Christ we can offer patience, kindness, love, and mercy to a world that expects judgment, bitterness, and retaliation for an injury suffered.

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Practical Forgiveness – Practice 4

Posted October 31, 2022 | Judith Ingram

Speak carefully.

The gift of language is a serious responsibility. Our malicious words can sting and cripple worse than the proverbial sticks and stones. On the other hand, kind and forgiving words can encourage people and restore relationships. Our careful use of language can be especially powerful in conflict situations, where anger and insults may be expected. God will use our obedient mouths to speak love into the lives of those who need to hear it and restore damaged hearts in ways we cannot see.

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Practical Forgiveness – Practice 3

Posted October 24, 2022 | Judith Ingram

Pray for your offender.

Jesus tells us it is not enough to let go of malice toward our enemies. We must go the next difficult step as well and cultivate benevolence. We are truly practicing forgiveness when we can honestly endorse whatever is good and healing for the person who caused our suffering. To bless and not curse, to pray for rather than to condemn, shows a heart that is surrendered to the rule of love.

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