MT 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”  22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” 

MT 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”  22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” 

                Anger is a sign of unresolved issues.  The root of anger can be masked, stuffed, or misplaced from earlier conflicts.  Often we believe we have forgiven past hurts, when, in reality, we stuffed these hurts with the determined words of “I WILL forgive!”  If you discover that you are unhappy or angry about life in general, you probably need to search your heart for unresolved issues.  

                Consider these questions to check for bitterness and anger. Do old wounds and offenses return when you least expect it?  Do you stuff those feelings and ignore them saying you have already forgiven them?  Do you feel uneasy when a certain person’s name is mentioned?  Do you avoid meeting or speaking to certain people?   Do you carry secret guilt for being unable to release these wounds?

You are not God.  Only God can instantly forgive.  We must continue to work through our pain until the wounds heal.  A cut is not healed until the pain is gone.  Forgiveness is the same way.  We must continue to forgive those who have wronged us until the pain goes away.  Ignoring pain can create relationship problems with misplaced anger.  Is the pain still there?  Take your burden to the Lord, seventy times seven each day, and let Him teach you the meaning of true forgiveness.  Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34 NIV). It is essential that you continue to work toward forgiveness until you can honestly pray that prayer.

Forgiveness Exercise: Clasp your hands tight, visualize your offense/offender.  Look toward heaven and pray, “Father, because you have forgiven me, I forgive ________.  I release them in the name of Jesus. I let them go free.”  Open your hands symbolizing your release.  Repeat this every time the offense comes to your mind.   Choosing to let the offense go will set you free.

Dear God, Thank you for your ability to forgive me instantly, but I am unable to do the same for others. Help me to forgive ____________.  I know that only you can show me the way out of my anger into peace and forgiveness.  Today and tomorrow and as long as it takes, I leave this pain at your feet choosing to forgive.