Practical Forgiveness – Practice 8

Posted November 28, 2022 | Judith Ingram

Imitate Christ.

We honor Christ when we follow his example and do good to those who harm us. When the world expects an evil response, goodness and love shine all the brighter, sometimes enough to pierce the toughest armor. We show kindness and generosity not because our adversary deserves them but because goodness is part of who we are in Christ. An important practice of forgiveness is to see through an offense to the person behind the behavior and ask, what good can I do for this person? No one needs grace more than a person who does not deserve it.

Ponder

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. (3 John 11)

Pledge

With God’s help I will make a point of doing something good and kind for someone who deserves my censure.

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 #7: Humble yourself.

Practice tip #8: Imitate Christ.

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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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