Step 5. Forgive Others

Just as you have asked the Father to forgive your sins, you must also extend forgiveness to those who have sinned against you. Rid yourself of all the pain you have kept inside by forgiving those who caused it. It is Heaven’s way. It is a spiritual law. Rendering forgiveness to those who have hurt you has the power to release you from the bondage of pain. Without forgiveness for others, God can’t forgive you.

If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)

This principle is embedded in the Lord’s prayer as well,

Forgive our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12)

It is essential that you find the strength to forgive people who have wounded and grieved you. You may find yourself overwhelmed with negative emotions, unable to forgive. Yes, it isn't easy to forgive a perpetrator of an offense. Emotions are rampaging. Feelings override reason. You want to do what is right but cannot follow through. Here is some practical advice to remember:

GO WITH THE MOTION, NOT WITH THE EMOTION

Be sincere in your prayer request. Pray in all earnest. A prayer from the depth of the heart is heard loudly on high.

Prayer for the Forgiveness of Others

Father who art in Heaven, I honor You by obeying Your commandment to forgive those who have trespassed against me. I come to You wounded by ________. I need Your grace, Father, to find strength to forgive. Empower me to release my heart from the bondage of unforgiveness towards ________. I choose to forgive __________ from the depths of my heart. Father, don’t count anything against _________ for the offense he/she has committed against me. Amen!