Lesson #17 – FORGIVENESS
“You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there.” Jeremiah 6:14
Recently, we’ve discussed the great importance of making our amends. This week we will follow up by talking about something that can block, delay and even destroy our recovery as well as our ability to make our amends: the ability to both offer and accept forgiveness. Facing our past, forgiving ourselves and those who have hurt us, and making amends for the pain that we have caused others is the only lasting solution. It may not settle all of the questions regarding who is at fault, what is just, and what is fair, but forgiveness does allow relationships to heal and possibly even have a fresh start. No matter how great the offenses or abuses, along the path to healing lies forgiveness.
“God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence. But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with Him through Jesus Christ, who sets them free. God offered Him so that by His sacrificial death He should become the means by which people’s sins are forgiven through their faith in Him.” Romans 3:22-25
Recovery Reminder
Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.
“Happy are the merciful.” Matthew 5:7 “Happy are the peacemakers.” Matthew 5:9
Step 8: We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
Step 9: We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
Upcoming Events
NEW! Women’s Step Study
WHEN: Tuesday mornings @ 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM, began September 2nd
WHERE: Davis Islands Campus – Room 212
LED BY: Emma & Janice
NEW! Women’s Step Study – begins tonight!
WHEN: Wednesday evenings @ 6:00 – 7:45 PM, beginning September 3rd
WHERE: Ballast Point Campus – Room A202
LED BY: Ashley & Laura
For more information, please complete the form under the “Contact us” link to the left.
Prayer Requests
It is our privilege to pray for you! To submit a prayer request, please complete our contact form, which can be found by clicking “Contact Us” at the left. Also feel free to write prayer requests on the back portion of the yellow response cards found in the CR bulletins on Thursday nights.