ROADBLOCK #1: Selfishness

James 4:1 (NLT) What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?

Luke 6:35 (NLT) “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

Romans 12:19-21 (NLT) 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

ROADBLOCK #2: Pride

Proverbs 16:18 (NCV) Pride will destroy a person: a proud attitude leads to ruin.

John 3:30 (NLT) He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

ROADBLOCK #3: Insecurity

Ephesians What does God have to say about you? -- You are blessed with every spiritual blessing (1:3) -- You were chosen before the beginning of time (1:4) -- You are loved (1:4) -- You were predestined (1:5, 11) -- You were adopted (1:5) -- You were accepted (1:6) -- You were redeemed (1:7) -- You are forgiven (1:7)

Ephesians -- You were given wisdom and understanding (1:8) -- You were shown the mystery of His will (1:9-10) -- You were given a guaranteed inheritance (1:11,14) -- You were made “the praise of His glory” (1:12) -- You were secured by the Spirit (1:13) -- You are recipients of God’s power (1:19) -- You were made alive together with Christ (2:5) --You are a recipient of God’s grace and kindness (2:7) -- You are God’s masterful workmanship (2:10) -- You were created for good works (2:10) --You were brought near to God (2:13)

Romans 5:8 (NLT) But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

ROADBLOCK #4: Resentment

Psalm 73:21-22 (NLT) 21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

Hebrews 12:15b (NLT) …Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

ROADBLOCK #5: Unresolved Anger

ROADBLOCK #6: Inability to Recognize Your Weaknesses and Mistakes

ROADBLOCK #7: Misunderstanding Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 (NLT) But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

ROADBLOCK #8: Fear of Condoning the Offense

ROADBLOCK #9: The Passage of Time

Jacob and Esau Meet | Francesco Hayez, 1844