12-Steps (or less!) to Forgiveness Matthew 26:

Forgiveness is a process I chose to begin to stop punishing someone for something they have done or said that has hurt me or someone else that I care about.

1.When it comes to forgiveness, our objective must be to take-up a future orientation. – 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 – Philippians 3:12-14 – Galatians 2:20

2.Jesus identified the betrayals, denials, and abandonments that would be committed against him.

3.Having identified his griefs, Jesus was able to grieve them. Yet, Jesus grieved before the Lord not at his offenders.

4.Jesus’ grief did not consume him. He balanced his grief with the responsibilities and calling God had placed upon his life. He did not avoid the Garden. He did not avoid the upper room.

5.Jesus surrendered His will to the purposes of God – even though it meant being wounded unjustly by others. Nothing is impossible for God -- even bringing His greater purposes out of our pain. – Matt 26:39 – John 12:27-28 – Romans 8:28

6.Jesus looked at those at the cross (and his wounds) from the perspective of those who had sinned against Him. – Luke 23:34 (NASB) 34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing…

7.Jesus confessed his feelings towards God – in Garden and on the cross. – Matt 26:44, 3x; 27:46

8.Forgiveness is a choice we make just like Jesus chose to go to the cross. This is a life- journey process to forgiveness. – John 10:17-18 – Matt 26:46, Arise, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand.” – Matt 18:21, Up to 70 x 7.

9.Jesus extended forgiveness to the guilty; but only after He had grieved, and not too quickly. – Luke 23:34, Father, forgive them… – Do not expect to forget the wounds inflicted upon you. Rev 5:16

10. Do not expect to forget the wounds inflicted upon you. – Rev 5:16, The Lamb Jesus is “standing as if slain.”

12. Pray that God will bless those who have hurt you. – Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."